Significant U.S. Patterns

TwoSides2aCoin

In three sentences or less give me one little fact about them. Pictures are also welcome as is your opinion (in one sentence , or less).

Who starts ? I wanna know !

TwoSides2aCoin

United States patterns are a fascinating part of the numisatics that encompass a myriad of designs and experimental pieces made the by the U.S. Mint to test new concepts and motifs, to provide coins for numismatists, and FOR OTHER REASONS. The book United States Pattern Coins, by J. Hewitt Judd, gives extensive details of the history and characteristics of more than 2,000 different pattern varieties from 1792 to the PRESENT era .

There are two sentences and my opinion is that those who are bored need education.

Ya'll might start liking this drill

ms70

Here's one little fact: Most of them were a lot nicer than the designs chosen!

boiler78

The collecting possibilities are fascinating and easily tailored to fit most collectors interest ( but maybe not their pocket book ) You can collect by date/denomination/type/metal (20+) or a combination of these. A Morgan dime "set" would include 4 coins while there are 78 different Judd numbers for 1866 pattern nickels!

One of the pattern sets I am currently working on is a denomination type set which when completed will include one example for each denomination that actually circulated in the US (notice my definition conveinently omits the Half Union) I have a few revisions/additions to make but here is the set



I would also add that the vast majority of coins listed in the Judd book are fantasy pieces or numismatic delicacies and not true patterns.

jbsteven

Patterns are cool.

billboat

Boiler--Great collection!!! I particularly like the 1850 three cent with the obverse that looks like the Mexican Peso design. Probably the most atypical pattern design I've seen.

notlogical

WOW! Those are great Mr. Hagen!

TwoSides2aCoin

thanks boiler 78.

The private possession of patterns has not been without it's controversy. Most significant was the 1910 seizure by government agents of a parcel containing 23 "pattern pieces" belonging to John W. Haseltine, a leading Philadelphia coin dealer with undisclosed private ties to Mint officials. The government asserted that the patterns had been removed from the Mint without authority, and that they remained the property of the United States.

It's tough keeping it to three sentences and an opinion... Who has pics ?

Lakesammman

Coins showing what's coming, what might have been or simply made for fun and profit.

Merc

Wow, Boiler. Those are great. Plus you have so many. It is rare for me to see one. I'll have to see the half unions at the Smithsonian again before the exhibit is removed.

sonofagunk

If you are interested in patterns, check out the upcoming Heritage sale. The 1868 16-coin proof set in Aluminum (1c to $20)

I hit the "bid" button, and a little pop-up came up saying "I don't think so"

Ed62

The engravers prototype design for the most popular collected coin is rather significant - - - -

boiler78

Ed
Along those same lines

The prototype for the Morgan dollar J1550a



and the rejected design by Barber

Bear

What say, that the mint goes back and uses some of those lovely

patterns for our modern day coinage.

ms70

<< <i>What say, that the mint goes back and uses some of those lovely

patterns for our modern day coinage. >>



You would think.

NumisOxide

boiler78,

Those patterns you've posted are unbelievable. Awesome designs.

66Tbird

<< <i>I hit the "bid" button, and a little pop-up came up saying "I don't think so" >>





Nice picture of some great pieces. Someday maybe I'll have the means

RichieURich

Boiler78, some awesome patterns you've posted! Congratulations!

Patterns whose designs were subsequently used for coinage designs are called transitional patterns. Although the 1856 Flying Eagle cent is considered by many to be a regular issue, some people think it is a transitional pattern, as is the 1882 Liberty nickel (J-1690). I'm not sure what they call patterns made after a series has ended, such as the 1868 large cents, does anyone know?

MrSpud

53BKid

These are stunning photos

Great posts.

Thanks!

MrEureka

In three sentences or less give me one little fact about them.

Approximately 90% of the patterns listed in Judd were struck during Director James Ross Snowden's reign, 1859-85. Most were struck purely for sport and profit. The party ended in 1885 when the more responsible James Kimball took over.

Dennis88

It is, IMHO the most interesting part of US numismatics to study and collect

291fifth

Patterns need to be differentiated between true pattern issues and after-the-fact fantasy issues such as the 1865 Shield Nickel.