1804 Cent Pattern - J-28, White Metal Private Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$31,200 • MS63 PCGS • 09-2020 • Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

Judd-28 is the white metal version of the 1804 private restrike large cent, one of the rarest compositions among the so-called "1804 restrikes" produced clandestinely in the early 1860s. The obverse features a Draped Bust portrait of Liberty struck from a discarded 1803 obverse die that was altered to read 1804, while the reverse was struck from a discarded reverse die dating to approximately 1820. The dies show prominent cracks, particularly a jagged break running from the 9 o'clock position to 6 o'clock on the obverse, consistent with heavy die deterioration from unauthorized use outside the Mint. The identity of the maker is not documented, though many numismatists suspect Philadelphia collector Joseph J. Mickley, who was known to acquire discarded Mint dies. While copper restrikes from these dies are scarce, the white metal examples are extraordinarily rare, with only 3-4 specimens known.

Rarity Notes

R.7+. Approximately 3-4 examples known in white metal.

Cross References

Pollock-6030