1896 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1770b

Coin Details

Description

Judd-1770b is a proof pattern five-cent piece struck in another experimental alloy variant, the third composition tested under the J-1770 shield design for the five-cent denomination. The obverse presents Barber's shield with thirteen stripes, LIBERTY scroll, and crossed poles behind topped by the Phrygian cap and eagle, while the reverse carries 5 CENTS within the olive sprig wreath. The "b" suffix denotes a further variation in metallic composition from both J-1770 and J-1770a, extending the range of alloys evaluated for the five-cent piece. Like the corresponding cent suffix variants, these pieces survive in extremely small numbers, reflecting the limited ten-piece production runs for each experimental composition. The five-cent alloy tests were arguably more consequential than the cent tests, as the existing Liberty Head nickel's 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy had been in continuous use since 1866 and presented real production challenges. Pure nickel was too hard, pure copper too soft, and aluminum too light — each extreme illustrated why the standard copper-nickel alloy had endured for thirty years. The suffix variants like J-1770b tested intermediate compositions that offered marginal improvements, but ultimately none proved compelling enough to warrant a change from the established alloy.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd J-1770b, Pollock P-1988a