1853 Proof Cent Pattern - J-150, Thin

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,100 PR63 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-150, Pollock-178, rated Low R.7. The thin planchet counterpart to the thick variety, this J-150 specimen was struck on a noticeably thinner flan while retaining the same die combination and alloy composition — 30% nickel, 60% copper, and 10% tin with a reeded edge. The obverse carries the familiar 1853 quarter eagle Liberty Head design, and the reverse features the ONE CENT denomination within a wreath, with the telltale repunched E in CENT visible on well-preserved examples. By producing specimens on both thick and thin planchets, Mint officials could directly compare how the same alloy performed at different thicknesses, evaluating factors such as strike quality, edge definition, and durability in handling. This thin planchet format more closely approximated the dimensions that would eventually be adopted for the Flying Eagle cent introduced in 1857.