1849 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-111, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

$44,400 PR65 09-29-2022 Heritage Auctions

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. These patterns were produced in the wake of the Act of March 3, 1851, which authorized the three-cent piece to help facilitate the purchase of postage stamps at three cents each. 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.