1896 Proof Cent Pattern - J-1768a

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,600 PR65 01-24-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-1768a is a proof pattern cent representing a compositional variant of J-1768, produced as part of the systematic 1896 alloy evaluation program. The obverse and reverse designs are identical to all other 1896 shield-design cent patterns: the obverse features Barber's striped shield with LIBERTY scroll, crossed poles topped by a Phrygian cap and eagle, E PLURIBUS UNUM above, and the date 1896 below. The reverse displays ONE CENT within a curved olive sprig surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The "a" suffix indicates a different metallic composition from the base J-1768, a variation of German silver (an alloy of copper, zinc, and nickel in varying proportions) or another experimental blend from the fifteen tested formulations. German silver alloys were particularly interesting to Mint officials because they combined the attractive silver-white appearance of nickel with improved striking characteristics compared to pure nickel, while costing substantially less than silver. Each alloy was tested with ten specimens to provide adequate material for evaluation of striking quality, wear resistance, and aesthetic appeal. These suffix variants are among the scarcest of the 1896 patterns, as they represent individual alloy experiments rather than the primary compositions that received larger trial runs.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. Fewer than 7 examples exist. Among the rarest 1896 cent pattern variants.

Cross References

Judd J-1768a, Pollock P-1984