1883 Pattern Liberty Head Nickel. Judd-1712, Pollock-1916. Rarity-6-. Nickel. Plain Edge. Proof-61 (PCGS). <strong>Obv:</strong> Chief Engraver Charles E. Barbers head of Liberty used for the regular issue Liberty Head nickel series of 1883 to 1912. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the border, and the date 1883 is below. <strong>Rev:</strong> Wreath design similar to the regular issue series, stars flank 7 x 6, the denomination split with FIVE above and CENTS below. In the center is an expression of the metallic composition 33 N. / 67 C. A fully struck, modestly reflective example dusted with sandy-gold and silver-gray toning. The <em>uspatterns.com</em> website describes Judd-1712 thus:<p><em>"Barbers nickel design. This is one of 4 patterns for this year using different alloys of nickel and/or copper showing their composition on the reverse within the wreath. 2 or 3 dozen are known. Pollock gives weights of about 78 grains for these. It is likely that some of these were struck on standard nickel planchets of 25% nickel and 75% copper."</em><p>Solid for the grade both physically and aesthetically, the present example would do equally well in a specialized pattern collection or advanced Liberty Head nickel set.
