J191 (J-191) 1858 1C NGC PF65 CAMEO, CAC. R-5. This lustrous, cameo proof, copper-nickel pattern cent has bright, satiny devices that contrast with darker fields. The sleek, carefully preserved coin shimmers with mint luster. Its pristine tan colored surfaces are pleasing and original. The strike, as expected for a proof coin, is full and sharp. The CAC sticker indicates that this coin is properly graded and of superior quality. Certainly this quality is apparent in the coins eye appeal.

The coin, designed by James Longacre, shows the flying eagle obverse that was in use from 1856 to 1858. The reverse, however, shows the new wreath that Indian Head cents used the next year, in 1859. The 1858 pattern is a transitional coin from the flying eagle motif to the Indian head design.

The Mint made many other pattern cents in 1858. They were issued in sets of twelve. Ordinarily they contained coins with three different obverses: the flying eagle with large letters, the flying eagle with small letters, and the small flying eagle. These were paired with several reverses: the regular die with agricultural wreath, the oak wreath, the oak wreath with ornamented shield, and the laurel wreath. In addition to sets, many of the patterns were sold individually to collectors and dealers. Most likely, the numerous combinations of obverse and reverse dies were made to sell to the numismatic trade.

An R5 designation means that 31 to 75 coins are known to exist today. In its population report, NGC has certified 25 proof J-191 patterns. However, only one, the present coin is graded a cameo. Similarly, at PCGS there is only one coin graded a cameo, but it is a PF64. At CAC there are 3 J-191 coins that have been evaluated, and the present coin is the only one in cameo proof. The others are regular proofs, 63 and 64. This coin is the finest obtainable J-191 pattern. It is special to collectors of flying eagle/Indian cents, those who have an interest in pattern coins, and investors.