As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Robert L. Rodriguez combines cutting-edge science, numismatic research, and detective work to uncover new evidence about one of the nation's most enigmatic artifacts.
(1857) Die and Hub Trials and Splasher Values
The Greysheet Catalog (GSID) of the Die and Hub Trials and Splashers series of Pattern Coinage in the U.S. Coins contains 2 distinct entries with CPG® values between $7,200.00 and $13,000.00.
History and Overview
The year 1857 was the launching pad for American numismatics as a widespread hobby. The Act of February 21 mandated the discontinuation of the copper half cent and cent, effective two years thence (but later given a six-month extension). Soon, all such pieces, including the familiar large “pennies” of childhood, would be gone from circulation. Nostalgia swept America, and countless citizens looked through loose coins and elsewhere to see how many different dates they could acquire.
The new Flying Eagle cents were struck in quantity from 1857-dated dies, and on May 25, the first pieces were released to the general public.
Other patterns listed under 1857 are those actually dated in that year, including J-186 (featuring the head of Liberty essentially as used years later on the 1865 nickel three-cent piece), an interesting quarter dollar (J-188) from an incomplete reverse die, and a $2.50 gold coin with the same Liberty Head as used on J-186 (J-189).
Collecting Perspective
All patterns dated from 1857 range from rare to unobtainable, although with some patience a few representative pieces may be obtained.
Greysheet News
More than 125 album variations now span 25+ series and collections, as Whitman expands the line with a modern U.S. Type Collection, new Proof Set albums, digital registry sets, and My First Album™ starter collections for the next generation of collectors.
Newly discovered 1867-S Half Eagle also shatters previous auction record in $10.665 million U.S. coins event; 1934 $10,000 Federal Reserve Note Leads $8.7 million U.S. currency auction.





