| J-167? J-168? J-169? Try J-170A. (1855 89% copper 10% nickel Four-Leaf LFE) Though both the J-170a and J-171a are described in the 9th edition of the Judd book as R8 (2-3 known), test results confirm neither is rarer than R7, and it is more likely each is an R6. Please make sure you do not pay a premium for an untested J-170a or 171a, or at the very least be cognizant of their true rarity. Although the researchers of the Judd book are the best in the field, this is the first time this large volume of 1854 and 1855 pattern Flying Eagle cents has been tested. It is truly impossible to determine a pattern's metallic composition, and consequently, its Judd number, by visual appearance alone. Even the experts can't tell. In my March of 2007 submission, a coin slabbed by PCGS as a bronze "J-168" turned out to be 89% copper and 11% nickel (J-170A), and a PCGS-slabbed "J-170" turned out to be German Silver (J-171A). Four of the ten coins submitted ended up changing Judd numbers from those initially on the PCGS slabs. The coin pictured above is a J-170A. |