1853 Proof Cent Pattern - J-151

Coin Details

Auction Record

$19,550 PR63 03-08-2005 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

Judd-151, Pollock-178, rated Low R.6. The third and final alloy composition tested from this die pair, the J-151 uses the same 1853 quarter eagle obverse and ONE CENT wreath reverse as the J-149 and J-150, but is struck in an alloy of 40% nickel and 60% copper — eliminating the zinc or tin component found in its counterparts. The edge is reeded. This two-metal formulation produced a harder, more durable coin than the three-metal blends, and its 60/40 copper-nickel ratio was remarkably close to the 88/12 copper-nickel alloy that would ultimately be adopted for the 1857 Flying Eagle cent. Of the three compositions tested from these dies, the J-151 is the most available, though still quite scarce in absolute terms, with approximately 15 to 20 examples known to collectors.