1792 Cent Pattern - J-5, Birch Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$564,000 • MS61 BN NGC • 01-2015 • Heritage Auctions (Partrick Collection)

Description

The Judd-5 Birch Cent is one of the rarest of the four known Birch cent die varieties, distinguished by its lettered edge reading "TO BE ESTEEMED BE USEFUL" followed by a single star, as opposed to the J-4 variety which has two stars flanking the motto. The obverse and reverse designs are identical to the other Birch cent varieties: a right-facing bust of Liberty with "BIRCH" on the neck truncation and the motto "LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY" around the obverse, and a wreath enclosing "ONE CENT" with "1/100" on the reverse. The J-5 specimens are noticeably heavier than J-4 examples, weighing approximately 262 grains versus 209 grains for J-4 coins. This weight difference reflects the changing Congressional standards of 1792 — the J-5 specimens conform more closely to the 264-grain standard originally enacted on April 2, 1792, while the lighter J-4 specimens align with a revised standard adopted later that year. Only two specimens are known to exist.

Rarity Notes

R.8. Only 2 examples exist.

Cross References

Pollock-6