1885 Proof Cent Pattern - J-1739

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21,600 PR65 09-17-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-1739 is one of the rarest entries in the 1885 comprehensive denomination survey, an Indian Head cent pattern struck in aluminum with a plain edge. The obverse carries the standard Indian Head cent design by James B. Longacre, featuring the bust of Liberty wearing a feathered headdress inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1885. The reverse displays the familiar oak wreath with shield enclosing ONE CENT and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. Aluminum was still considered an exotic and semi-precious metal in 1885, and the Mint periodically struck pattern sets in aluminum for sale to well-connected collectors and dealers. These aluminum strikings served no practical design or compositional purpose — the Indian Head cent design had been in production since 1859 and would continue unchanged until 1909 — but they represent the Mint's persistent interest in the metal and the collector market that sustained clandestine pattern production. The J-1739 cent is part of the most complete single-year denomination survey of the Design Reform era, with Chief Engraver Charles Barber producing aluminum patterns spanning every denomination from three-cent pieces through double eagles.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Extremely rare, with only 1 to 3 specimens believed extant. Among the rarest entries in the 1885 aluminum set.

Cross References

Judd J-1739, Pollock P-1949