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1870 Proof Cent Pattern - J-788

Strike Type
1870 (P) Patterns coin

Coin Details

Year
1870
Denomination
Patterns
Mint Mark
P
Strike Type
Proof
Series
Standard Silver Patterns (1870)
Designer
William Barber
Composition
Other

Auction Record

$920 PR55 03-02-2010 Stack's

Description

Chief Engraver William Barber struck this copper cent pattern using the same Indian Head obverse and oak wreath with shield reverse dies as J-787. Copper strikings served a practical purpose in the pattern-making process: they provided a familiar baseline metal for comparing the visual and mechanical properties of the experimental standard silver alloy. The Indian Head design, originally created by James B. Longacre in 1859, remained unchanged on these experimental dies, as the 1870 standard silver program focused on metallurgical rather than artistic innovation. Cataloged as PCGS #61031.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-20 examples estimated.

Cross References

Judd-788, Pollock-878

External References

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