1849 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-112, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

$14,100 PR66 01-07-2015 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-112, Pollock-126, Low R.7. This three-cent pattern takes the minimalist approach even further than its predecessor, pairing the Seated Liberty half dime obverse with a reverse bearing only the Roman numeral III -- no national legend, no denomination spelled out, nothing to identify the issuing country. Struck in a 60:40 silver-to-copper alloy with a reeded edge. This "coin without a country" is notable as part of the earliest group of three-cent denomination patterns. With the exception of a couple of unique pieces cataloged under 1840 and 1846 dates, the 1849 three-cent patterns in their various forms represent the first American patterns struck since the prolific experimental period of 1839 -- or more precisely, the first bearing a date after 1839. The Roman numeral reverse, like the Arabic numeral reverse of Judd-111, reflects the Mint's initial uncertainty about how to express the unusual three-cent denomination on a coin of such small size.