Just a few left in stock! The Overton Bust Half Book, 5th Edition. Special offer.
Patterns (1851) us

(1851) Patterns (1851) Values

Greysheet & Red Book® PRICE GUIDE

The Greysheet Catalog (GSID) of the Patterns (1851) series of Pattern Coinage in the U.S. Coins contains 16 distinct entries with CPG® values between $1,300.00 and $10,080.00.

History and Overview

The patterns of 1851 reflect the efforts of 1850—the endeavor to create a more useful one-cent piece of smaller diameter than the large copper version that had been in use since 1793. Billon was again the metal of choice.

In 1850 and later, certain ring-form or annular patterns were struck. Original 1851 pattern cents were struck in billon. Restrikes were made in copper and various alloys, including billon.

As part of James Ross Snowden’s restriking activities in 1859, Proof examples of certain rare silver dollars of earlier dates were made, including the 1851 and 1852. For the 1851 dollar, the original die (with four-date digit logotype slanting slightly upward and the date close to the base of Liberty) probably could not be located in 1859. In any event, a different die, not originally used in 1851, with the date horizontal and centered, was employed. Whether this die was created new in 1859 and given an 1851 date, or whether it was made in 1851 and not used at that time, is not known. Restrikes in silver are well known on the numismatic market today and are highly prized, for original strikings are extremely rare and in any event are not known to have been made in Proof format. Listed in the present text are off-metal impressions in copper and nickel.

Collecting Perspective

One or more examples of the pattern cents of this year, J-127 through J-131, can be obtained relatively easily, either in perforated or unperforated form, most being restrikes. Collectors desiring just a single coin might opt for a billon original.

The off-metal strikes of the 1851 silver dollar occasionally come on the market. More often seen are regular silver impressions (not listed here). The nickel—possibly copper-nickel—impression is unique.

From the Greysheet Marketplace

Live listings from Greysheet dealers
See all

Greysheet News

U.S. Mint Chooses Artist Corps
U.S. Mint Chooses Artist Corps

The United States Mint has selected 37 American artists to participate in its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) to create and submit new designs for coins and medals.

Stack's Bowers Galleries' Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction Realizes Over $70 Million
Stack's Bowers Galleries' Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction Realizes Over $70 Million

Results Set Record for the Firm's Highest Grossing Auction Sale in its 90+ Year History.

The Business of Numismatics: October 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
The Business of Numismatics: October 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter

While reviewing the initial results in various categories of recent auctions, my initial take is that the sales were moderate to strong.

Events

Knoxville Coin and Currency Show - TN
Knoxville Coin and Currency Show - TN Location: Rothchild Catering & Conference Center
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Coinacopia - FL
Coinacopia - FL Location: Coinacopia Building
Saturday, August 1, 2026
San Francisco Coin Show - CA
San Francisco Coin Show - CA Location: Fort Mason Gallery 308 Building A
Saturday, August 1, 2026