Modern Patterns (1943 to Date)

About This Series

While fewer in number than their prolific 19th-century predecessors, modern pattern coins document the U.S. Mint's continuing evolution in materials science, striking technology, and design experimentation. The category begins with wartime experimental cent compositions of 1943, when the Mint tested alternatives to copper — a critical war material — ultimately selecting zinc-coated steel while experimenting with glass, plastic, and various alloys. Later patterns include design proposals for adopted denominations (Eisenhower, Susan B. Anthony, and Sacagawea dollars all went through pattern stages) and rejected proposals. Technology experiments exploring security features, bi-metallic compositions, and anti-counterfeiting techniques form another subcategory. Unlike the 19th century, when officials distributed patterns relatively freely, modern patterns are tightly controlled and rarely enter the numismatic market, making authenticated examples extremely valuable. Each modern pattern tells a story of practical problem-solving — whether addressing wartime shortages, improving vending machine compatibility, or developing features for the visually impaired.