1851 Proof Cent Pattern - J-131b

Coin Details

Description

Judd-131b is listed in Appendix A of Judd as an 1851 ring cent with the lettered side and a blank denticled side, probably from the same die as the blank side of the J-136 gold dollar. It is Pollock-157; USPatterns cannot confirm that it exists (its Judd table lists it in nickel, its notes in billon). The J-131 copper-nickel variety is historically significant because copper-nickel would eventually become the composition chosen for the small cent when the Flying Eagle cent entered production in 1856. In this sense, J-131 and its variants represent the earliest testing of the alloy that would ultimately solve the large cent problem. The existence of multiple suffixed variants demonstrates the thoroughness of the Mint's metallurgical testing program. Andrew W. Pollock III's reference work cataloged these variants more comprehensively than the original Judd reference. Reference data: struck in nickel with a plain edge, rated R-8. Catalogued as Judd-131B, Pollock-157, A/W 137, Taxay EP151.

Rarity Notes

R-8 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-131b; Pollock-157; Adams-Woodin 137; Taxay EP151