1849 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-111a, Restrike

Coin Details

Description

Judd-111a, Pollock-125a. This restrike version of the three-cent pattern shares the same die pairing as the original Judd-111 -- a Seated Liberty half dime obverse matched with a plain reverse showing only the numeral 3 -- but was produced at a later date for the collector market. Struck in coin silver (90% silver, 10% copper) with a reeded edge, this composition differs from the billon (50/50 silver-copper) alloy of the original strikings. The obverse die is distinct from the overdate half dime obverses of the same year. The simplicity of the reverse -- devoid of any national legend, eagle, or wreath -- stands in sharp contrast to the elaborate designs typical of adopted American coinage, underscoring the experimental nature of these earliest three-cent denomination trials. These patterns document the Mint's search for a practical small-denomination coin that could bridge the gap between the cent and the half dime, a need that became especially pressing with the reduction of postal rates to three cents.