1836 Proof Two Cent Pattern - J-54

Coin Details

Auction Record

$17,038 PR65BN 04-28-2022 Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-54 (Pollock-57) and rated Low R.6, this copper striking employs the same obverse die as its billon counterpart, featuring a small eagle perched on a cloud in a pose reminiscent of the heraldic eagle found on the reverse of Draped Bust silver dollars. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircles the border with the date 1836 below. The reverse displays TWO CENTS centered within a laurel wreath. This variety was struck in copper with a plain edge. Surviving examples of the copper version are generally regarded as restrikes produced in the late 1850s or even later, struck from the original dies long after the two-cent denomination proposal had been abandoned. The obverse die on known specimens shows significant cracking, consistent with heavy use over an extended period and supporting the restrike attribution. Despite this secondary production origin, the piece remains a significant entry in the two-cent pattern series and provides collectors with an important comparison piece to the original billon strikings.