We Buy United States Pattern Coins
Rare, Mysterious, and Beautiful.
Sell U.S. pattern coins to us for top dollar.
The 1877 $50 Half Union, 1891 Standing Columbia half dollar (J-1766) and 1879 $4 Flowing Hair Stella gold patterns. Coin photos: Smithsonian National Museum of American History, National Numismatic Collection (public domain).
Nothing sets the mouth of a dyed in the wool coin collector watering like United States pattern coins. On the average pattern coins, experimental coins, and trial coins are amongst the rarest of all United States coinage. Our seasoned veteran coin collectors are clamoring for your pattern coins. If you are interested in selling, simply provide us with your inventory list or pictures to begin our Free Appraisal and offer process.
More than 2,000 types of pattern coins have been made from 1792 through present day. However, the number of each type is exceedingly small. Pattern coins were never intended for release into circulation, so few of these test pieces are ever produced. A pattern coin is an experimental piece which either illustrates a proposed coinage design, or which embodies a proposed innovation of composition, size, or shape.
American Rarities has bought and sold rare coins since 1990 and has purchased more than $350 million in coins and collections. We buy U.S. pattern coins, experimental pieces and trial pieces, raw or certified, one coin or a whole collection. For a free, no-obligation appraisal, use the form on this page or text 720-600-4740. To learn more about the history of these coins, read The Enigmatic World of U.S. Pattern Coinage.
One of the first U.S. patterns, the 1792 silver center cent. Photos: Smithsonian National Museum of American History, National Numismatic Collection (public domain).
Pattern test coins have been produced for every denomination used today. What many folks do not know is that there have been proposed denominations that had not been adopted. Notable amongst those are the Four Dollar Stella, $50.00 Half Union, and $100.00 Union.
The practice of producing pattern coins for demonstration continues to this day, but mint produced patterns rarely leave the mint, when they do, they may be subject to confiscation. It is important to note that not all pattern coinage was or is produced by the U.S. Mint. Many were produced by private entities promoting artistic talents and technological capabilities.
What Pattern Coins We Buy
We buy every kind of U.S. pattern, experimental and trial piece, including:
- Judd-listed patterns in gold, silver, copper, nickel, aluminum and other metals
- Experimental pieces struck to test a planchet, size, shape or alloy, such as goloid and metric pieces
- Regular-dies trial pieces and off-metal strikes
- Transitional pieces, such as the 1856 Flying Eagle cent
- Restrikes and pieces struck for collectors in the 1860s and 1870s
- Private patterns made outside the U.S. Mint
- Raw coins and certified coins in PCGS, NGC or ANACS holders
Many pattern owners also have other rare coins. We buy those too, from rare U.S. coins and U.S. gold coins to PCGS, NGC and ANACS certified coins.
Before You Sell a Pattern Coin
A few simple steps help you get the best offer for a pattern coin:
- Do not clean it. Most patterns were struck as proofs, and cleaning can reduce the value considerably. See coin cleaning on Wikipedia.
- Keep it in its holder. Leave certified coins in their PCGS, NGC or ANACS holders, and keep raw coins in their original envelopes or flips.
- Gather the paperwork. Note the Judd number if you know it, and keep pedigree records, old auction tickets and receipts with the coin.
- Photograph both sides. Clear, well-lit photos of the obverse, reverse and holder label let us give you a fast opinion. Our coin photography instructions show how.
Because famous patterns have been counterfeited, we confirm authenticity and metal with XRF metal analysis and digital microscopy when needed. We also offer free in-house grading without slabbing, so you can learn what your pattern coin may grade without paying for certification first.
How We Price U.S. Pattern Coins
Our seasoned coin Buyers have hundreds of years combined experience in the purchase and sale of this very esoteric area of numismatics. We utilize all relevant information to determine proper United States pattern coin values. The Coin Dealer Newsletter, Auction sales, as well as recent show sales are prominent in this.
Every pattern sale is different, so we look at the Judd variety, metal, rarity rating, condition, certification and pedigree. The population reports and price guides at PCGS CoinFacts and the NGC Coin Explorer are a useful starting point, but an expert appraisal is the best way to learn what your coin is worth.
Ways to Sell Your Pattern Coins
Choose the way to sell that suits you:
- Online photo appraisal: send photos with the form on this page or text 720-600-4740. You will usually have a free, no-obligation appraisal within 24 to 48 hours.
- Insured mail-in: ship your coins fully insured with no deductible. We offer free or discounted shipping on selected collections.
- Home visits: for significant collections, our buyers can come to you.
- Meet a buyer: we have a nationwide buying network, with a presence in California, Colorado and Arizona as well as Minnesota, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Wyoming and New Jersey. See rare coin buyers near you.
- Estates and appraisals: we provide IRS-compliant written appraisals through our coin collection appraisal and estate appraisal and liquidation services.
When you accept our offer, we pay you immediately by check, wire transfer or ACH deposit. Our buyers have hundreds of years of combined experience. We are ANA Life Members, a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer and ANACS submission center, with an A+ rating from the BBB and a 4.7 rating from 86 Google reviews. Learn more about the American Numismatic Association.
United States Pattern Coin Facts
Pattern coins - struck to test a design.
Experimental pieces - struck to test aspects of planchet, shape, thickness, and composition.
Regular-dies trial pieces - struck on regular dies, but in a metal other than that used for regular issues.
Can vary greatly and is dependent on the intended goals of the proposed coin type. These are some, but not all of the different materials used to strike pattern coins.
Aluminum
Aluminum bronze
Billon
Brass
Bronze
Copper
Copper–nickel
German silver
Gold
Goloid alloy
Goloid metric alloy
Lead
Nickel
Oroide
Platinum
Silver
Steel
Tin
White metal
The world is open to collectors in that United States Pattern coins, United States Experimental Coins, and United States Trial Coins are produced with both Business Strike and Proof strike.
United States Pattern coins, United States Experimental Coins, and United States Trial Coins can be found with Coin-Turn Alignment - obverse and reverse are aligned in opposite directions 180 degrees apart, and a Medal-Turn Alignment - obverse and reverse are aligned in the same direction.
Luckily the standard Sheldon Numerical Grading Scale of 1 to 70 applies to United States Pattern coins, United States Experimental Coins, and United States Trial Coins produced directly by the U.S. Mint or private entities.
R-1: over 1,250
R-2: 501–1,250
R-3: 201–500
R-4: 76–200
R-5: 31–75
R-6: 13–30
Low R-7: 7–12
High R-7: 4–6
R-8: 2–3
Unique: 1
If you are interested in selling pattern coins, selling experimental pattern coins, or selling U.S. trial coins, contact us. When you search for “pattern coins” , “Trial Coin”, or “Judd Pattern Coins”, or “pattern coins for sale”, you want to find a rare coin dealer like us. Check out this webpage for a deeper dive into The Enigmatic World of U.S. Pattern Coinage.
More Free Tools and Guides
- The Enigmatic World of U.S. Pattern Coinage: famous patterns, Judd numbers and the rarity scale
- Best Place to Sell Rare Coins: what to look for in a rare coin buyer
- Sell Coins Online for Cash: how selling by photo and mail works
- Rare Coin Appraisal Near Me: get a rare coin appraised
- Coin Grading Service Near Me: free in-house grading without slabbing
- Sell a Large Coin Collection: selling a whole collection at once
- IRS-Compliant Numismatic Appraisals: appraisals for CPAs, estates and donations
- Where to Sell Coins Near Me: find a place to sell your coins
Quick Answers: Selling U.S. Pattern Coins
Do you buy pattern coins that are not certified?
Yes. We buy raw pattern coins as well as coins certified by PCGS, NGC or ANACS. Our specialists identify the Judd variety and metal and check authenticity, using XRF metal analysis and digital microscopy when needed, before we make an offer.
Should I get my pattern coin graded before I sell it?
You do not need to. We offer free in-house grading without slabbing, so you can learn what your coin may grade before you decide anything. If certification would help, we are a PCGS and NGC authorized dealer and ANACS submission center. Please do not clean the coin or remove it from its holder.
How will I be paid for my pattern coins?
When you accept our offer, we pay you immediately by check, wire transfer or ACH deposit. Coins you mail to us are fully insured with no deductible, and for significant collections we can visit you at home.
U.S. Pattern Coins, Experimental, and Trial Pieces
Email, Text, or Use This Form To Send Us Your Inventory List or Pictures
Email: staff@americanrarities.com | Text: 720-600-4740
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