1854 Proof Cent Pattern - J-156

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-156 is an 1854 experimental cent pattern struck in German silver (40% nickel, 40% copper, 20% zinc) with a reeded edge. The obverse was created through a mechanical transfer process: the head was cut on a copying lathe from a silver-dollar pattern, as Mint Director Snowden wrote on March 18, 1854 (USPatterns), reducing the full dollar design down to cent size. This lathe-reduction process left distinctive transfer lines and irregularities across the fields, and the crossbar of the 4 in the date was lost during reduction, making the date appear as "1851." The reverse features a heavy open wreath of oak leaves and acorns tied with a ribbon bow at bottom, enclosing the denomination "1 CENT." Designed under the supervision of James B. Longacre, this experimental piece was not intended to illustrate a proposed design but rather to test the feasibility of reducing existing designs to smaller diameters for a new small cent denomination. It stands as a physical record of the Mint's innovative die-making experiments during the pivotal transition from large to small cents. Reference data: struck in german-silver nickel 40%, copper 40%, zinc 20% with a reeded edge, rated R-6. Catalogued as Judd-156, Pollock-185, A/W 149, Taxay EP174. metallurgical trial - these should be tested for composition.

Rarity Notes

R-6 (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-156; Pollock-185; Adams-Woodin 149; Taxay EP174