1776 "1776" 3C Libertas Americana Judd-319 Mule Fantasy Three Cent

Coin Details

Description

A fantasy mule piece combining a Libertas Americana obverse with a three-cent reverse, cataloged as Judd-319 in the standard pattern coin reference. This unusual piece exists at the intersection of colonial medal collecting and U.S. pattern coin collecting, using the famous Dupre Liberty portrait from the Libertas Americana medal (dated 1776 referencing American independence) paired with a three-cent denomination die. Judd-319 represents a deliberate mule — a piece struck from two dies never intended for use together. The Libertas Americana obverse with its flowing-hair Liberty portrait is one of the most recognizable images in American numismatics, while the three-cent reverse belongs to a completely different numismatic series and era. The combination creates a fantasy piece that never existed as a proposed or authorized coin. Pattern mule fantasies like J-319 were typically produced by mint employees or private die-sinkers who had access to multiple dies and created unusual combinations for the collector market. The three-cent denomination die dates to the mid-19th century, while the Libertas Americana obverse references the 1776/1783 original. The anachronistic pairing was recognized from the outset as a fantasy. J-319 is collected by both pattern coin specialists (who include it in their Judd-number sets) and Libertas Americana enthusiasts (who consider it part of the broader family of pieces using the Dupre Liberty design). Its dual appeal gives it a broader collector base than many single-category pieces.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Pattern mule fantasies were produced in small quantities. J-319 is sought by both pattern coin and Libertas Americana collectors.

Cross References

Judd-319; Pollock (check cross-reference); Betts-615 (Libertas Americana original); Three-cent denomination die