1836 Two Cent Pattern - J-53

Coin Details

Auction Record

$28,800 MS63 04-29-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

Cataloged as Judd-53 (Pollock-54) and rated Low R.6, this business strike example of the 1836 two-cent billon pattern shares the same die pairing as its proof counterpart. The obverse features a small eagle with spread wings standing atop a cloud, with the date 1836 below and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. The reverse carries the denomination TWO CENTS in broad spacing within a laurel wreath. Struck in billon (90% copper, 10% silver) with a reeded edge. As a non-proof striking, this piece may represent one of the earliest examples produced from these dies, potentially struck for testing purposes or as presentation pieces before the more carefully finished proof specimens were created. The two-cent denomination was part of proposed coinage legislation in 1837, but the relevant provision was removed before the bill's passage. The concept would lay dormant until 1864, when the two-cent piece finally entered production as a wartime expedient.