1885 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1742

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,900 • PR65 NGC • 01-2004 • Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-1742 is a distinctive 1885 nickel pattern with an annular (ring-shaped) design, struck in silver with a plain edge. The obverse features UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the date 1885 arranged around a central hole surrounded by denticles, with a circle of thirteen stars within the field — the same holey or annular layout used on the companion cent pattern J-1740, indicating a coordinated design experiment across denominations. The reverse displays FIVE CENTS beneath the shield of the United States flanked by laurel branches, also arranged around the central perforation. The use of silver for a five-cent pattern is notable, as the regular-issue Liberty Head Nickel that had entered production in 1883 was struck in copper-nickel alloy. The silver composition was chosen to test the appearance of the annular design in a more lustrous metal, or simply because silver planchets of suitable size were readily available at the Mint. At High R-6, J-1742 is relatively more available than many other 1885 patterns, indicating a somewhat larger production run or better survival rate. The annular nickel concept, like the annular cent, was never adopted for production, but these holey patterns remain among the most visually distinctive American pattern coins.

Rarity Notes

High R-6. Approximately 10 to 15 specimens estimated.

Cross References

Judd J-1742, Pollock P-1954