Patterns Are a Huge Part of Our History

[rkkay-migration]

Some people feel patterns are not real coins, or that they do not represent a piece of our history the way other, regular issue coins do. In actuality, many patterns give us insight into events in the US, the background for events that transpired and even a glimpse of what might have been. Many know that the piece was the first regular issue coin to include the motto "In God We Trust," but how many knew that pattern pieces sported mottoes such as "God and Our Country" or "God Our Trust"? As well, patterns as early as 1861 were struck to test mottoes.

 

The pattern Liberty Nickel also gives us background for historical events. In 1882, the following pattern was struck. A very close variant was ultimately chosen for the regular issue Liberty Nickel.

 

 

When people were gold plating these nickels, the Mint scrambled to strike patterns as candidates to replace the No Cents nickel. Some contained reverses that indicated the metallic content. Others, such as this had the word Cents on the reverse:

 

 

We all know which was ultimately adopted. But what if this design had been chosen? What if Cents had been included in the first place?

[mdwoods]

Great coins Rick. I thought I saw a 1 cent pattern with this same type of obverse, maybe I'm dreaming.

[rkkay-migration]

Mark, you did. It was J-1665, 1666 or 1667. In 1881, they were contemplating standardizing the 1c, 3c and 5c coins, and this design was tried on all three.

[EVillageProwler]

The Pennsylvania Cabinet had something like FIVE specimens of J1690 (the 1882 Lib 5c).

 

EVP

 

[rkkay-migration]

I've noticed Stacks has had one in each of their last three sales. It's fairly common as patterns go.

[mdwoods]

I saved my catalogs from the Baltimore ANA auctions. There were some very nice patterns on the block. I also remember seeing a brass pattern dollar. Part of a Pattern Dollar collection I think is being auctioned at the FUN show. I should have brought my camera to Ricks table he had some super cool patterns there as well.

[mdwoods]

Mark, you did. It was J-1665, 1666 or 1667. In 1881, they were contemplating standardizing the 1c, 3c and 5c coins, and this design was tried on all three.

 

Thanks Rick. I did a little research. It's the J-1666 I'll be looking for. mdwoods

[Elbesaar]

One of my favorite patterns. Coper-nickel J-1690, exact type of 1883. These sell for 5 figures when available. I guess its better than trying to bid on the 7 figure 1913 type coin.

My V Nickel Set is raw and in AU55-58, and this would set the Set off perfectly ! Congrats on a stunning superb coin.

[rkkay-migration]

Thanks, Mike. I personally love the pattern Lib Nickels.

 

I just noticed my second picture was a mistake. Here is the correct reverse. Sorry.