1909 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1785

Coin Details

Description

Judd-1785 is the fifth nickel pattern from the 1909 design exploration series, part of the seven-pattern sequence that documents the Mint's early search for a Liberty Head Nickel replacement. The extensive number of patterns produced in a single year underscores the importance the Mint attached to getting the nickel redesign right. The five-cent piece was the most frequently encountered coin in American commerce, used for everything from streetcar fares to candy purchases to newspaper sales. A poor design choice would be visible millions of times daily across the nation. This commercial ubiquity also made the nickel an important vehicle for public art — the coin's design would be seen by more Americans more often than any painting, sculpture, or architectural detail in the country. J-1785 represents one of the design concepts evaluated against these demanding criteria of aesthetic quality, commercial functionality, and manufacturing practicality. Each pattern in the series was reviewed by Mint Director Frank Leach and was shown to Treasury Department officials as well.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7 (Very Rare to Extremely Rare). Approximately 10-15 specimens estimated for this variety.

Cross References

Judd J-1785, Pollock P-1975