1836 Two Cent Pattern - J-55, Original

Coin Details

Description

Judd-55 Original is the original striking of the 1836 two-cent pattern in copper, distinguished from restrikes by its reeded edge and coin-turn die alignment. The obverse features a small eagle with outstretched wings standing on a cloud, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border and "1836" below. The reverse shows the denomination "TWO CENTS" enclosed within a laurel wreath. The composition is billon (approximately 91% copper and 9% silver) at a weight of approximately 60 grains, as specified in the proposed coinage bill. The two-cent denomination was included in the Act of January 13, 1837, but the provision was deleted before passage, and the denomination did not become a reality until the Civil War-era two-cent piece of 1864. Original strikes are business strike quality rather than proof, and are identifiable by their reeded edge and coin orientation. Approximately two dozen examples exist across all two-cent pattern varieties.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-25 examples exist across all J-55 original strikings.

Cross References

Pollock-58