1850 Cent Pattern - J-122, Restrike

Coin Details

Description

Judd-122 Restrike is a later impression from the 1850 annular cent pattern dies, representing yet another variety in the extensive series of ring-cent experiments. Like other restrikes in this family, it was produced from the original dies at a date subsequent to 1850, preserving the design details while potentially showing signs of die deterioration or alteration accumulated during storage. The design follows the standard configuration for the 1850 perforated cents: the obverse features CENT and 1850 around a central opening with decorative elements, while the reverse carries national inscriptions and compositional data. The specific distinction of J-122 from its cataloging neighbors involves a combination of die characteristics, edge treatment, or alloy composition that numismatists have identified as meriting separate documentation. The proliferation of varieties in the 1850 ring-cent series reflects both the Mint's systematic testing methodology and the strong collector demand that encouraged restrike production. Mint Director Patterson authorized these experimental strikings as part of a formal proposal to Congress, and the multiple compositions and edge treatments tested demonstrate a genuine engineering effort rather than mere curiosity. Each variety explored a different answer to fundamental questions: What alloy balances production cost against durability? What edge treatment best prevents counterfeiting of a ring-format coin? How much silver, if any, should a cent contain? The survival of these various test configurations in restrike form has allowed generations of numismatists to study the full scope of mid-century coinage reform proposals.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Approximately 15-25 specimens known, predominantly restrikes.

Cross References

Judd-122; Restrike; cf. J-119 through J-124 (1850 annular cent series)