File talk:1856 half cent pattern.jpg

Pattern coin?

In March of 2014, Mr. Steve Morgan added this image to the pattern coin category.  According to Wikipedia, the Braided Hair half cent was issued from 1840 to 1857, and this isn't an 1840 (or 1839) coin—it's an 1856er.  Were they considering in 1856 a redesign before the coin was ultimately discontinued in 1857?  Why would there be an 1856 pattern coin?

Can someone please verify whether this coin is an actual pattern coin?

Thanks in advance,
allixpeeke (留言) 14:44, 13 November 2015 (UTC)

I can understand your confusion, but did you read the file's description? The uploader indicated that it was a pattern because of the metal alloy used. 1856 half-cent coins struck for circulation did not include nickel. The 2009 edition of the "Judd" pattern book (United States Pattern Coins, page 62) says "at least 50" half-cent patterns were struck in 1856 using alloys with 10% or 12% nickel (these are given Judd reference number J-177) but "are impossible to distinguish today except by elemental analysis." – Steve Morgan (留言) 04:55, 14 November 2015 (UTC)

I was under the impression that pattern coins are only made when a coin is being re-designed.  Was I wrong?  Are new pattern coins made every time a year changes?  Curiously yours, allixpeeke (留言) 19:04, 16 November 2015 (UTC)

Yes, you were wrong. Experimental strikes by the Mint using different metals but the same design are also considered patterns, as mentioned above. – Steve Morgan (留言) 12:10, 19 November 2015 (UTC)