Patterns
Pattern coins, often referred to as “the coins that never were,” are experimental designs created by the U.S. Mint that were ultimately rejected and never issued for circulation. These coins were produced as prototypes to test new designs, features, or production techniques. They were often rejected for practical reasons, such as overly high reliefs that made them difficult to stack or overly low reliefs that rendered the design details less distinct.
Many of the U.S. Mint’s most talented coin designers and Chief Engravers contributed to the creation of pattern coins, making them fascinating examples of numismatic artistry. Despite their rejection for circulation, these coins showcase the creative processes and innovations that shaped U.S. coinage.
The Legacy of Pattern Coins
Pattern coins were first cataloged by the U.S. Mint, and in 1959, a comprehensive book was published detailing these extraordinary pieces. While some patterns bear a resemblance to accepted designs, others are entirely unique and were struck in unusual metals, offering collectors a glimpse into what might have been.
Building a Pattern Coin Collection
Collectors of pattern coins have a variety of ways to assemble a collection. They can focus on specific years, design types, metal compositions, denominations, or even the designers themselves. Most pattern coins have extremely low mintages—often fewer than 1,000 pieces, with many even rarer than that. This scarcity, combined with their historical and artistic significance, makes pattern coins a highly sought-after category in numismatics.
At Bullion Shark, we celebrate the artistry and rarity of pattern coins. Explore our collection and discover these unique relics of American coinage history.