1851 Cent Pattern - J-128, Restrike

Coin Details

Description

Judd-128 is the unperforated billon restrike of the 1851 ring cent pattern, continuing the experimental series begun in 1850. The obverse features "CENT" above and "1851" below with ornamental rosettes flanking a central circle outline, while the reverse displays "USA" above and "ONE TENTH SILVER" along the sides and bottom. Struck in billon (90% copper, 10% silver) without the center perforation of the original J-127, this restrike was produced circa 1859 during Mint Director James Ross Snowden's extensive restrike program. The 1851 ring cent patterns mirror the 1850 series in design and purpose: testing a smaller, lighter cent format using a billon alloy to maintain acceptable intrinsic value. By 1851, the ring cent concept had been deemed impractical due to difficulties ejecting the perforated planchets from the coining press and the expense of recovering silver from the billon alloy. Nevertheless, the Mint continued to explore small cent alternatives, eventually leading to the copper-nickel Flying Eagle cent of 1856-1857.

Rarity Notes

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

Cross References

Pollock-150