1850 Proof Cent Pattern - J-124b

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-124B, Pollock-140. It is a muling of the 1850 ring cent obverse (CENT and 1850) with the ONE CENT wreath reverse of 1853, on a perforated planchet of German silver; earlier editions of Judd numbered it J-152 (USPatterns). Struck with a plain edge, it belongs to the same design family as Judd-124 and its related varieties, all sharing the simple text-only layout that prioritized functional testing over aesthetic refinement. The existence of multiple alloy variants under closely related Judd numbers demonstrates the thoroughness of the Mint's approach to the cent reduction problem. By producing identical designs in different metals, officials could directly compare how each alloy performed in terms of striking quality, wear resistance, and visual distinction from other denominations. This systematic experimentation during 1849-1850 would ultimately inform the decisions leading to the copper-nickel Flying Eagle cent of 1857 and the subsequent bronze Indian Head cent of 1864.

Rarity Notes

R-7 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-124b; Pollock-140; formerly Judd-152