1823 Proof Cent Pattern - J-46, Silver

Coin Details

Description

Judd-46 is a proof cent pattern struck in silver, featuring the Matron Head or Coronet design that was standard for large cents of the era. The obverse displays a bust of Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, with thirteen stars around the border and the date 1823 below. The reverse shows the denomination ONE CENT within a laurel wreath, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The silver composition is the distinguishing feature of this pattern. While regular large cents were struck in pure copper, this experimental piece tested the concept of a silver cent — an idea the Mint periodically revisited throughout the early nineteenth century as copper cents grew increasingly expensive to produce relative to their face value. The large copper cent weighed approximately 10.89 grams, and rising copper prices frequently threatened to push the intrinsic metal value above the coin's denomination, creating a situation where cents might be worth more melted than spent. The 1823 date holds additional significance because no regular-issue large cents bear this date; the coins traditionally attributed as 1823 cents are actually 1823-over-1822 overdates using modified dies. This makes J-46 an important piece of evidence that the Mint did prepare new 1823-dated dies, even if they saw limited use in regular production. The proof striking with its sharp definition and mirrored fields would have been prepared for the Mint Cabinet or for distribution to visiting officials, serving as both a numismatic specimen and a policy proposal in metallic form.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Extremely rare. Approximately 5-8 specimens known in silver composition.

Cross References

Judd-46