1854 Cent Pattern - J-159a, Electrotype

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,280 MS64BN 02-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-159a, Pollock-186, rated High R.7. This electrotype reproduction of an 1854 cent pattern was reportedly produced at the Philadelphia Mint itself, rather than by a private individual. The obverse was created by mechanically reducing an 1854 Seated Liberty dollar die on a lathe to the approximate diameter of a cent, resulting in noticeably blurred and indistinct details — the date in particular is difficult to read clearly, and the fine features of the Liberty figure lose their sharpness. The reverse features a newly engraved die with a bold, open wreath of oak leaves and acorns tied with a ribbon at the base, enclosing the denomination 1 CENT. As an electrotype, this piece was produced through an electrodeposition process rather than striking, and specimens are said to produce a clear ring when dropped despite this method of manufacture. The pattern exists in several different alloy compositions, but the J-159a is specifically classified as a copper electrotype. Most examples encountered over the years have been of this electrotype variety, as noted by Pollock.