20 Cents '1875' Pattern, nickel

J-1395 is one of several experimental pieces struck in 1875 as the Mint explored alternative compositions for the twenty-cent piece, which had entered circulation only that year to disastrous public reception. The coin's near-identical size to the quarter caused immediate, widespread confusion — merchants and the public alike complained from the outset, and Congress would abolish the denomination entirely by 1878 after just two years of legal circulation.

The nickel composition trials of 1875 reflect the Mint's belated attempt to differentiate the coin by material rather than redesign. It didn't save the denomination.