In
numismatics an area that is collected by advanced collectors and
specialists is pattern coins. Patterns are trial strikes of coins
being proposed. These coins are usually struck in very limited
numbers and very often only a few survive.
Most
patterns are pieces that have been struck as a proposed new design
for a coin. The new designs are struck for a host of reasons. First
and foremost is how the coin looks in its struck state. Often a drawn
concept of a coin looks different than the three dimensional product
that is produced from the artist's rendering.
The
next reason for striking patterns is for their ease of production.
Sometimes the designs are too elaborate and that creates troubles for
the minting process. Details that will not transfer during the
striking process, too high of die pressure being required to strike
the coins, or dies breaking due the details being too close are just
a few of the problems to some of the rejected designs. Coins are not
only selected for their aesthetics but also for their ease of
production.
Another
reason for striking patterns is trying different types of metals. Our
coins today are struck mostly in clad (a mixed metal planchet) but we
have struck coins in copper, nickel, zinc, silver, and gold as well.
Patterns from our country have been stuck not only in these metals
but also brass, aluminum, and steel. The reason for trying the
various metals is not only for ease of production but also
durability. Our coins are designed to last for years of everyday use.
In
the 1942 our country was looking for an alternative to our copper
cent due to the need for copper in World War 2. Cents ended up being
struck in zinc during 1943 for the war effort, but zinc was not the
only medium tried in 1942. The cent was struck in several different
plastics as well. Some of the plastic cents were tested for strength
and durability. Stress tests literally broke the patterns during the
tests. Ultimately we never produced a coin in plastic, but who knows
where the future will lead from this testing.
Over
the years there have been over 2,000 different patterns produced.
This high number of patterns creates numerous ways for them to be
collected. Some try to collect patterns as a separate genre, but
others use patterns to top off an advanced collection. A great
example of this came from one of our local collectors. Not only did
he have collection of Indian head pennies, but he also added about
five different patterns of Indian Heads to his already complete
collection. Even if you are not up to tracking down patterns as a
collection adding a few to an advanced collection can help to add a
little uniqueness to your set.
If you're looking to expand your collection of Pattern Pieces the best place to start is our website page dedicated to various U.S. issues.
