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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,352 |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2217 Posts |
Not sure whether this is the right place to post this question; W hat is the difference between a pattern coin and a replica or copy?It seems to me from what I have read that a pattern is a more official version of a replica, but since both can differ from the original what is the difference between a "pattern" copy of an original gem and what is being described as a copy or replica?  Thanks again, Matt |
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Member
United States
3242 Posts |
They should have the word copy on the by law here in the USA. but we all know that some don't have that on them. so check them out before you buy them!!!!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
a pattern is a coin that was struck with a pair of dies usually with a different metal than the coins are going to be struck with if the metal is hard. Like if the coins are going to be silver they usually struck a pattern out of copper because it is a softer metal, and the reasoning behind a pattern is to just test out the design and the dies to see how they work and look. a copy is just that a copy of a coin that exists but it wasn't struck at the US Mint like the original was. A Replica is basically the same thing a copy is, a coin that looks like a original coin but wasn't struck by the US Mint
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Bryan stated it pretty well but I would also like to add that copies and replicas are usually worthless unless they have silver or gold content, but patterns(US patterns anyway) are always worth a good amount of money.
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
2217 Posts |
So, patterns are more valuable kinds of replicas....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
827 Posts |
This is a pattern / concept dollar: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...20&rd=1&rd=1Note that the "$" on the back really is an "S" and the pattern coin is twice as thick as a normal coin. I think they are worth more simply because only so few are minted while replicas / copies have unlimited minting capabilities, and they are where the final designs came from. |
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Valued Member
United States
439 Posts |
Think of patterns more as test pieces.
They have to make sure coins are going to turn out the way they want so they run off a few to see what they look like. Sometimes things don't turn out right so they rework what they didn't like and do some more patterns.
Replicas or copys are easy, they're made to look like something that is already in existence but the patterns are made before the coins are struck up. Once they get things looking right with the patterns then they start making the coins.
Hope that helps
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Forum Dad
 United States
24150 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
986 Posts |
A pattern was an experimental striking of a coin. Most patterns were never released for circulation, and were only experiments. If you look in a RedBook, you will see many patterns, most of which look nothing like coins we actually had circulating. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2703 Posts |
Patterns are part of the historical development of a coin which lead up to its production in its final chosen form. They give some insight as to how a particular coin came about, and what other options were considered along the way. They tell the story of the coin. That is why they are highly sought after. Replicas are just copies of the coin and made someplace other than the Mint.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2217 Posts |
I fully understand the difference now!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4589 Posts |
bobby131313 are those your patterns and are they up for sale
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Forum Dad
United States
24150 Posts |
They belonged to a dealer friend of ours at one time. I thought the pics may come in handy some day so I asked him for them.  |
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Valued Member
United States
146 Posts |
Pattern coins are the designs of coins that were made for coins to circulate but they were not minted in large quantities.There will average to about 2 to 1000 in existance.
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New Member
United States
7 Posts |
One pattern that did make it into circulation was the 1856 Flying Eagle cent. An initial striking of 1000 pieces were struck to be presented to members of Congress, etc. The coin was not yet approved as a regular, circulating coin. The patterns were basically a way to market the idea of a small cent, specifically, a small cent made of a nickel alloy. The fact that many, if not most, of the 1856 FE's exist in a less-than-mint-state grade tells the tale. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5953 Posts |
I have been chasing an 1863 GW pattern 2C for a long time The one time I could have had one I did not have the funds available.. I like to go to coin shops and ask for an 1863 2 Cent most just look at me as if I know nothing and tell me there were none minted that year.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,352 |
Posted 05/18/2007 05:48 am
