1909 Proof Nickel Pattern - J-1787

Coin Details

Description

Judd-1787 is the seventh and final nickel pattern from the 1909 design exploration series, completing the J-1781 through J-1787 sequence of five-cent denomination studies. As the last numbered pattern in this sequence, J-1787 may represent the most refined or final design concept evaluated in 1909, incorporating lessons learned from the production and review of the six preceding patterns. The nickel redesign process that began with these 1909 patterns would continue through 1910 (J-1788), 1911, and 1912 before culminating in the selection of James Earle Fraser's Buffalo Nickel design for production in 1913. Fraser, a student of Saint-Gaudens who had grown up on the American frontier, brought a distinctly Western American perspective to the design that none of the 1909 in-house patterns could match. His Native American portrait was reportedly based on composites of three chiefs — Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree — while his bison reverse was modeled on Black Diamond, a resident of the New York Central Park Zoo. These iconic choices were still years away when J-1787 was struck, and this pattern preserves one of the roads not taken.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Judd J-1787, Pollock P-1977