1850 Proof Cent Pattern - J-124d

Coin Details

Description

Cataloged as Judd-124d and Pollock-143, this 1850 cent pattern is struck in nickel on a 27.5mm planchet weighing 10.89 grams, with a plain edge. The coin carries the standard Braided Hair large cent design by Christian Gobrecht, with Liberty facing left surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1850 below on the obverse. The reverse displays a laurel wreath enclosing the denomination ONE CENT, framed by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. As an experimental striking in nickel rather than the standard copper, this piece was part of the Mint's exploration of alternative metals for small-denomination coinage. The nickel composition gives the coin a distinctly different appearance and weight from its copper counterpart, foreshadowing the alloy experiments that would intensify later in the decade.