The following files are designed to provide a quick reference to the various patterns, die trials, experimental pieces, private concoctions, restrikes, etc which can be found in the major reference works that have been written over the years.

This website has been updated to the 9th edition of Judd. The old numbers can be found inside {parentheses}.

We have assigned Judd and/or Pollock numbers to new discoveries. The criteria used for this can be found by clicking here.

The classifications under which these coins are listed are subject to much controversy among the various researchers and in many cases, there is no single correct classification. They may even change over time as we get more input from the various persons using this information. For ease of use, most of the coins have been broken into the following categories:

Die Trial – this is any off-metal striking from production dies. In the early years, pre-1800, die trials were just that; coins struck to test the dies. In later years, the 1860s, 1870s and 1880s many were deliberately struck for sale to collectors often in complete sets. Many so-called die trials are actually off-metal restrikes. Examples of this include trimes, half dimes and dimes offered in sets with such coins as the 1863-1865 with motto reverse coins. Other die trials are actually mint errors. Possible candidates include Indian cents, plain edge half dimes and three dollar pieces struck in nickel.

Essai – this is any coin struck from pattern dies to test a new design or concept.

Experimental Piece – this is any coin, pattern or production piece either struck in a new metal or alloy for the purpose of testing the alloy or to test a new edge device. Often, these were struck from pattern dies.This description is different from that used by Judd or Taxay who also used this term to include holed planchets and a couple of other patterns.

Note: Certain metallurgical trials can only be determined by analysis. This is especially true for the Postage Currency patterns. In many cases, weight alone is insufficient for proper classification. As an aid to collectors of this series, the Judd numbers for the 1863 Postage Currency coins have been enhanced using David Cassel's Decimal Numbering System. Additional information about this can be found here.

As a guide to buyers, we have noted which coins should be purchased with caution in the additional information column as it is likely that a collector may be buying a coin whose attribution might be suspect.

Fantasy Piece – this is any coin made for sale to collectors and includes most restrikes.

Mint Restrike – any coin restruck at the mint whose purpose is uncertain of which original strikings from these dies exist. Clearly, most of these are in fact fantasy pieces.

Novodel – a backdated coin struck from new dies.

Private Striking from Mint Dies – these are coins struck from dies sold by the mint as scrap metal primarily by or for Joseph Mickley and Montroville Dickeson.

Private Pattern from Non Mint Dies – these are coins struck by outside companies either under contract for the mint or in the hopes of getting a mint contract.

The Additional Information section was included to clarify issues or give more detailed data as to research, pedigrees, controversies or other information that might be of interest. It also contains links to the various articles which are available on this website.

Questions about this listing or any photographs in JPEG format which you might want to post on the website should be sent to Saul Teichman at Saul.Teichman@ey.com

Many thanks go to the following people for supplying information from their various researches.

Alan Meghrig: Two cent patterns

David Cassel: Postage currency patterns

Karl Moulton: 1827 Quarters

Mike Carboneau: Silver Gobrecht dollars

Note: Because of its size, the pattern concordance has been broken up into seven files of approximately the same size. These files still may take some time to open up in your browser. Please be patient!