What does the term patterns mean?

[melmcbee]

Thanks in advance.

[Bruceswar]

Patterns refer to a coin that was basically created, but never put into circulation. They also would be like a design that would maybe be simular... It would be like if they made a few of the finalist designs for the state quarters. Every coin when coming out has many different designs and thuse you get what they call pattern coins when they actually mint one of the non used designs.

[Wihlborg]

Melanie,

 

When a new coin design is being considered, there may be a number of different designs submitted to the mint for use. Once the mint receives these designs they will strike test pieces of each design to see how the design translates to an actual coin, how well the dies stand up to the pressure of striking the design, etc.

 

These test pieces are called patterns and may not be the final design that is used to strike the actual coins. They may also be struck in a metal other than the one used to strike the actual coins. For instance, the pattern may be struck in copper, while the actual coins are struck in silver.

 

Hope this helps.

 

John

[TomB]

John has given you excellent information, Melanie. You may want to obtain a copy of an excellent reference work on patterns by Judd. This work has gone through several editions and the older editions can be had for very little money. Also, there is a US Patterns web site that is devoted to the subject and that has some stunning images.

[rexcat]

Tom,

 

Nice web site

 

could spend hours there reading....wishing

[melmcbee]

Thanks to everyone for the great information. I added the site to my favorites, Tom, and I will probably be spending a few months viewing it. . It's great.