1850 Proof Cent Pattern - J-122, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,775 PR66 05-27-2003 Superior Galleries

Description

Judd-122 is a restrike of the 1850 annular or ring-form cent pattern, struck in billon (90% copper, 10% silver) without the center perforation that characterizes the original strikings. The obverse displays "CENT" above and "1850" below, with ornamental rosettes flanking a central circle that outlines where the perforation would appear on perforated versions. The reverse reads "USA" above with "ONE TENTH SILVER" along the sides and bottom, also with a central circle outline. These ring cent patterns were conceived as a solution to the growing impracticality of the large copper cent: by using a billon alloy and reducing the coin's size through a center perforation, the Mint could produce a cent with acceptable intrinsic value at a manageable diameter. The restrikes, produced beginning circa 1859 during Mint Director James Ross Snowden's tenure, account for most surviving examples and are typically unperforated, making them visually distinct from the original perforated strikings.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Scarce; approximately 20-30 examples known, most being restrikes.

Cross References

Pollock-137