1792 Cent Pattern - J-3, Birch Cent, Plain Edge

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

The 1792 Birch Cent with plain edge is a pattern struck as a proposed design for the new nation's one-cent piece. The obverse features a right-facing bust of Liberty with flowing hair, inscribed "LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY" around the border and dated 1792. The word "BIRCH" appears on the truncation of the neck, identifying the engraver of the dies. The reverse displays a wreath enclosing "ONE CENT" with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border and the fraction "1/100" below. Unlike the J-4 and J-5 varieties that bear the lettered edge motto "TO BE ESTEEMED * BE USEFUL *," the J-3 has a completely plain edge. The identity of "Birch" has never been positively determined — candidates include Robert Birch, who appears in Chief Coiner Henry Voigt's 1793 expense records. uspatterns.com lists one plain-edge example, the coin from the Judd and Archangel collections, and calls it probably unique. Reference data: struck in copper with a plain edge, rated R-8. Catalogued as Judd-3, Pollock-4, A/W 9, Taxay EP19.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-3; Pollock-4; Adams-Woodin 9; Taxay EP19