1849 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-113, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

$18,800 PR64 06-08-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-113, Pollock-127, High R.7. Popularly nicknamed the "Ugly Duckling," this original three-cent pattern takes minimalism to its extreme, displaying an Arabic numeral 3 on one side and a Roman numeral III on the other -- with absolutely nothing else. No national legend, no date, no denomination name, no design elements of any kind appear on either face. It is, in essence, a coin without a country and a value without units. Struck in a silver-copper alloy of undetermined proportions with a plain edge. The Judd reference distinguishes between originals and restrikes for this variety, noting that the later strikings are composed of standard 90% silver. Researcher Saul Teichman has indicated that all surviving specimens may in fact be post-1849 restrikes. Recorded weights of approximately 19.2 grains match the standard half dime planchet, supporting the theory that these pieces are standard coin silver rather than the 50/50 billon alloy sometimes attributed to them. The surviving population is estimated at eight to a dozen pieces, placing this curious little pattern firmly among the major rarities of the series.