1849 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-111, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-111, Pollock-125, R.6. Among the earliest experimental pieces for what would become the three-cent denomination, this original pattern pairs the obverse of a regular Seated Liberty half dime with a minimalist reverse bearing only the numeral 3 at its center -- no legends, wreaths, or additional ornamentation. The obverse die is distinct from the various overdate half dime dies commonly designated "1849/6" and "1849/8." Struck in billon (50% silver, 50% copper) with a reeded edge. The same die pairing also exists struck in coin silver as Judd-111a, reflecting the Mint's experimentation with different alloys for this proposed new denomination. uspatterns.com says the design answered a request made in January 1849 by Samuel Vinton, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for a three-cent piece; the denomination itself was authorized by the Act of March 3, 1851. The deliberately austere reverse design indicates this was an early exploratory striking, produced before the ornate shield-and-star motif of the adopted 1851 three-cent silver was finalized. Reference data: struck in silver 50%, copper 50% with a reeded edge, rated R-6. Catalogued as Judd-111, Pollock-125, A/W 108, Taxay EP126. Originals supposedly weigh 22 grains, virtually none in Pollock do.

Rarity Notes

R-6 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-111; Pollock-125; Adams-Woodin 108; Taxay EP126