I used to collect them before the prices became silly... http://gxseries.com/numis/pattern/pattern_coins.htm
I collect the coins of Morocco. In the French empire, they are known as Essai. Sometimes you will also see pieforts, which are double-thick. This essai has 4 known, in the entire world:
Though I don't actively collect them, I used to own a few Próba (pattern) coins. Tons of different ones out there.
I was going to collect US patterns once. As normal, I spent a lot of time to study what I was getting into. I learned I should have started 40 years ago. The strong prices scared me away. Maybe someday.
I have one pattern because I like gold dollars and found this one interesting. Restrikes were of made from these dies for many years. Unlike some restrikes, it's impossible to tell if this one was made in 1836 or later. I have read that this is the most common U.S. pattern in gold. I also bought an example of the Mexican coin which is obviously the inspiration for the design. I took me a while to find one that was old enough, dated 1835.
The Judd numbers are J-67 to 71 with gold piece assigned to 67. The Readers Digest version of the history was that the Secretary of the Treasury wanted a gold dollar pattern go with the silver Gobrecht Dollars. The Mint Director didn’t want to make them.
I have some patterns and yes they are expensive. Thank goodness that dealers are willing to entertain putting coins on extended lay-a-way. I am trying to get a pattern example of every denomination of copper and silver coins. In other words, a small cent, a large cent, etc. At present I am missing a half cent, large cent, and nickel. Half cent patterns are extremely rare and I doubt I could afford one even if I could find one. Here a few photos of some of the patterns in my collection. Judd 818 Judd 703 Judd -245
I love pattern coins. I love "what-if?"s in general. I like many pattern designs better than the designs that were eventually accepted, although that may reflect simple boredom with the known designs. But I was raised a cheapskate, so it's extremely unlikely I'll ever own any popular patterns. At best, maybe one day I'll make more time to study them.
I’m a type collector myself, which is why I’m highly attracted to Patterns I just like different designs. I don’t really care if that series never made it or not I just like seeing their differences
Ditto. An example of anything will do, though in my case they are all British. I have plenty of them and find them quite a pleasurable niche. The beauty of patterns is that they are usually a bit more intricate than the regular currency which is as functional as possible to ensure the most life is obtained from the dies. Anyway, a few diverse pieces. A Weyl 1860 pattern penny in tin with the milled edge. An 1863 copper pattern half florin (shilling) by Wiener 1804 five shilling dollar on a thick (5mm) copper flan. ex Brand and Norweb 1787 pattern shilling by Pingo Victoria 1857 pattern decimal halfpenny/5 centimes 1795 KH4 'Late Soho' silver pattern halfpenny. Huth 1911 pattern double florin struck in iron. 1601 pattern halfpenny 1966 pattern crown by Anthony Foley
