1853 Proof Cent Pattern - J-151b

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,280 UNC Details 01-14-2019 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-151b is another composition variant of the 1853 experimental cent pattern using the same dies as J-151 and J-151a: the 1853 quarter eagle obverse paired with the "ONE CENT" laurel wreath reverse. The "b" suffix designates a different metallic composition from J-151 and J-151a, as the Mint systematically tested various alloys for the proposed small cent. The use of the quarter eagle obverse die for a cent denomination pattern is a striking juxtaposition, pairing the design intended for a $2.50 gold coin with the humblest denomination. This muling was practical rather than aesthetic, allowing the Mint to evaluate how fine-detail dies designed for gold coinage would perform in base-metal compositions at reduced sizes. By 1853, the experimental groundwork laid by the ring cent patterns of 1850-1851 and the continued cent experiments was converging toward the copper-nickel alloy that would be adopted for the Flying Eagle cent in 1856.

Rarity Notes

R.6. Scarce; approximately 20-30 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-178b