1850 Proof Three Cent Pattern - J-125

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,200 • PR66 NGC CAC • 01-2018 • Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-125 is the landmark 1850 three-cent pattern that introduced a completely original design, unlike the hastily muled 1849 patterns (J-111 through J-114) which borrowed the half dime obverse. The obverse features a Liberty cap surrounded by radiating rays, with "LIBERTY" inscribed on the lower portion of the cap and the date 1850 below, creating the distinctive "radiated Liberty cap" motif that would influence the adopted 1851 three-cent silver design. The reverse displays the Roman numeral "III" enclosed within a circular palm branch wreath, with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border. Designed by Franklin Peale, the Liberty cap with rays design was modeled after Christian Gobrecht's 1836 pattern and drew inspiration from the Mexican Cap and Rays coinage. Struck in silver with a plain edge, J-125 represents a genuine design proposal rather than an improvised test piece, marking a critical step toward the three-cent silver denomination that was authorized the following year. With a rarity rating of R.4, it is the most available of the early trime patterns.

Rarity Notes

R.4. Approximately 75-200 examples known. The most available early trime pattern.

Cross References

Pollock-147