1884 Proof Cent Pattern - J-1722

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,200 PR65 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

An aluminum striking of Eastman Johnson's annular cent design, J-1722 shares the same ring-form layout as J-1721 but is struck on a lightweight aluminum planchet rather than nickel. The use of aluminum for pattern coinage was still relatively novel in 1884 — the metal had only become commercially viable through improved smelting processes in the 1870s, and its potential for coinage was actively debated. An aluminum cent would have weighed a fraction of its bronze counterpart, raising practical questions about public acceptance of such a dramatically lighter coin. The center perforation on J-1722 was handcut rather than punched by a dedicated piercing die, as specimens show variation in the size and precise shape of the hole. This production detail indicates that the Mint was experimenting with the concept at a preliminary stage, testing the visual and tactile effect of Johnson's proposal before committing to tooling for a standardized perforation. The aluminum composition adds an additional layer of experimentation, combining two innovations — new material and new form — in a single trial piece.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (Extremely Rare). Approximately 7-12 examples estimated. The aluminum composition makes this significantly scarcer than the nickel version (J-1721).

Cross References

Judd J-1722, Pollock P-1930