• 1855 Patterns (1855) Values

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The Greysheet Catalog (GSID) of the Patterns (1855) series of Pattern Coinage in the U.S. Coins contains 29 distinct entries with CPG® values between $1,425.00 and $21,000.00. History and Overview This year saw continuing experiments for a reduced-diameter copper cent, employing an 1855 dated Flying Eagle obverse

The Greysheet Catalog (GSID) of the Patterns (1855) series of Pattern Coinage in the U.S. Coins contains 29 distinct entries with CPG® values between $1,425.00 and $21,000.00.

History and Overview

This year saw continuing experiments for a reduced-diameter copper cent, employing an 1855 dated Flying Eagle obverse similar to that used in 1854 in combination with two different styles of reverse wreath (both of which had been used in 1854). Various alloys including French bronze were tested. Mint records indicated three metal compositions:11 bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc); 90% copper, 10% nickel; and 80% copper, 20% nickel.

At least one half dollar was struck of this date, from regular dies but in aluminum. It is not known whether it is indeed a contemporary (not restrike) impression, or whether it is part of the numerous later aluminum restrikes. (In 1855, aluminum was considered a very expensive metal, hard to obtain and refine.) The only piece traced resides at Princeton University, where it has been since the 1880s.

Collecting Perspective

Numismatic interest for patterns of this year is focused on the Flying Eagle cents, of which most numismatists aspire to have one example, although two different wreath variations and several metal variations can be obtained. The metal variations, delineated below, are virtually impossible to distinguish from each other in the absence of elemental analysis. Again, although originals may have been struck in bronze (as believed by Dr. Judd), it may be that any and all bronze pieces are restrikes.

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1855 P1c Original, Copper, J-167 PR BN
Value Range: $1,600 - $7,920
$1,600 - $7,920
1855 P1c Original, Copper, J-167 PR RB
Value Range: $3,400 - $9,600
$3,400 - $9,600
1855 P1c Original, Copper, J-167 PR RD
Value Range: $6,900 - $10,200
$6,900 - $10,200
1855 P1c Restrike, Copper, J-167 PR RB
Value Range: $3,600 - $4,320
$3,600 - $4,320
1855 P1c Restrike, Copper, J-167 PR BN
Value Range: $3,000 - $3,600
$3,000 - $3,600
1855 P1c Original, Copper, J-168 PR BN
Value Range: $1,425 - $6,480
$1,425 - $6,480
1855 P1c Restrike, Copper, J-168 PR BN
Value Range: $4,800 - $6,720
$4,800 - $6,720
1855 P1c Oroide, J-169 PR
Value Range: $2,400 - $3,840
$2,400 - $3,840
1855 P1c Copper-Nickel, J-170 PR
Value Range: $3,000 - $4,800
$3,000 - $4,800
1855 P1c Copper-Nickel, J-170a PR
Value Range: $3,500 - $14,400
$3,500 - $14,400
1855 P1c Copper-Nickel, J-171 PR
Value Range: $1,500 - $5,280
$1,500 - $5,280
1855 P1c Various alloys, J-171a PR
Value Range: $1,750 - $8,640
$1,750 - $8,640
1855 P1c Copper, J-172 PR BN
Value Range: $3,000 - $9,120
$3,000 - $9,120
1855 P1c Copper, J-173 PR BN
Value Range: $3,500 - $21,000
$3,500 - $21,000
1855 P1c Copper, J-173 PR RB
Value Range: $4,000 - $9,360
$4,000 - $9,360

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