1850 Proof Cent Pattern - J-119, Original

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-119, Pollock-134, Low R.6. This perforated cent pattern represents one of the Mint's earliest serious attempts to replace the unwieldy large copper cent with a smaller, more practical coin. The obverse displays the denomination CENT at top and the date 1850 at bottom, flanked by two rosettes, all arranged around a central perforation. The reverse carries the inscriptions USA and ONE TENTH SILVER around the opening. Struck in billon (10% silver, 90% copper) with a plain edge. These patterns were created in response to legislation drafted by Congressman Sam F. Vinton of the House Ways and Means Committee in 1849, which proposed reducing the size of the one-cent piece. The central perforation served a dual purpose: it reduced the amount of metal required while maintaining a coin diameter large enough for practical handling. The billon alloy addressed the intrinsic-value requirement by incorporating a small amount of precious metal. Reference data: struck in billon with a plain edge, rated R-6. Catalogued as Judd-119, Pollock-134, A/W 118, Taxay EP140.

Rarity Notes

R-6 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-119; Pollock-134; Adams-Woodin 118; Taxay EP140