Patterns (1855)

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.