1853 Cent Pattern - P-178
Strike TypeCoin Details
Description
Pollock-178 covers the German silver strikings of Judd-149 and Judd-150, which differ only in their alloy. This experimental small cent was produced as part of the Mint's search for a practical replacement for the oversized copper large cent. The obverse borrows the Liberty Head design from the regular-issue quarter eagle ($2.50 gold piece), while the reverse carries a simple wreath enclosing the denomination ONE CENT. The piece is struck in German silver — a misleadingly named alloy containing no actual silver, but rather a blend of copper, nickel, and zinc that produces a silvery-white appearance. The edge is reeded. German silver was among several alloy candidates evaluated during this period, though copper-nickel was ultimately selected for the small cent introduced in 1857. More than a dozen specimens are recorded across two slightly different German silver compositions. Reference data: struck in German silver with a reeded edge. Catalogued as Pollock-178 (Judd-149 or Judd-150).
Rarity Notes
R-6 (USPatterns.com, for both Judd-149 and Judd-150)
Cross References
Pollock-178; Judd-149 or Judd-150; Adams-Woodin 171-175, 177-179; Taxay EP166 or EP167
External References
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