The Philadelphia Mint produced an unprecedented number of pattern coins in 1870, making it one of the most significant years in U.S. numismatics. Q. David Bowers famously described it as "the greatest pattern zoo of all time," with the 10th edition of Judd listing 258 unique types and metal combinations from this year alone.

Pattern coins in 1870 were struck primarily ... Read More

The Philadelphia Mint produced an unprecedented number of pattern coins in 1870, making it one of the most significant years in U.S. numismatics. Q. David Bowers famously described it as "the greatest pattern zoo of all time," with the 10th edition of Judd listing 258 unique types and metal combinations from this year alone.

Pattern coins in 1870 were struck primarily in silver, copper, and aluminum, with additional rarities in nickel, brass, and copper-nickel. Among the most unique pieces is the bi-metallic J-793a, composed of rolled silver and copper. Notably, no gold pattern coins were produced in this year. The STANDARD SILVER series continued, featuring new obverse designs by William Barber, and off-metal Proofs were struck for regular-issue denominations, including gold coins. Some of these patterns were even released as matching nine-piece sets.

For collectors and investors, 1870 pattern coins represent a pivotal moment in U.S. Mint experimentation and design. Explore rare and historic 1870 pattern coins at ParadimeCoins.com, your premier source for exclusive numismatic treasures.