1974 Cent Patterns
Base
About This Coin
The 1974 Cent Patterns is a United States cent from the Modern Patterns (1943 to Date) series. The obverse features various experimental designs for proposed coinage changes, while the reverse displays various experimental designs. Designed by Various U.S. Mint designers. Struck in aluminum. Produced at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints. Modern Patterns (1943-present) document the Mint's ongoing experimentation with materials and designs. Notable examples include wartime composition tests (1943-1945), Eisenhower dollar prototypes, and trials for the small dollar coin. These patterns are often extremely rare, with many surviving in only a handful of examples. They provide unique insight into the Mint's design and production process.