1884 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1724

Coin Details

Auction Record

NGC PF-65 realized $7,050 (Heritage, 2014).

Description

The first of four five-cent pattern varieties for 1884, J-1724 extends Eastman Johnson's annular coin concept from the cent to the nickel denomination. Struck in nickel — the same composition as the Liberty Head nickel that had entered production just the year before in 1883 — this pattern features a central perforation surrounded by a design of legends, thirteen stars, two shields, and the date. The design emphasis is clearly on the ring form rather than elaborate artistic elements, as Johnson's proposal prioritized the functional innovation of the perforated planchet over traditional allegorical imagery. The octagonal shape of the center hole on J-1724 distinguishes it from the round perforations typically seen on the cent patterns, suggesting that the Mint explored different aperture geometries for different denominations. This variation would have enhanced the tactile distinguishability that Johnson sought — a blind person could identify the denomination not only by the coin's overall size but also by the shape of its central opening. The Liberty Head nickel's notorious first-year confusion with the five-dollar gold piece (due to the original absence of the word "CENTS") made the concept of improved denomination identification particularly relevant.

Rarity Notes

R-5 to R-6. Approximately 20-30 examples known. The nickel composition ring nickel is the most available of the 1884 holey nickel varieties.

Cross References

Judd J-1724, Pollock P-1934