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20 Cents '1874' Pattern, nickel
| Issuer | United States Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1874 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Dollar (1785-date) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The denomination 20 CENTS appears in two lines at the center of the field, enclosed within an open laurel wreath tied at the base with a ribbon bow. The circular legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arcs around the upper and lateral periphery of the coin, with a beaded border encircling the entire design. |
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| Reverse lettering | UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 20 CENTS |
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| Additional information |
The twenty-cent piece had no business existing. Congress passed the Twenty Cent Act in March 1875, but pattern strikes dated 1874 were produced the prior year as part of the internal lobbying process — physical arguments handed to legislators and Treasury officials to approve the denomination. Judd-1358 belongs to that pre-authorization window, struck in nickel rather than the silver eventually chosen for the regular issue.
The denomination itself died after two years of circulation, killed by public confusion with the quarter dollar.