1854 Proof Cent Pattern - J-161, Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,350 PR64BN 02-03-2018 eBay

Description

Judd-161, Pollock-187, rated R.4. This restrike of the J-161 was produced sometime after the original 1854 strikings, in the 1860s or 1870s when Mint officials accommodated collector demand by running impressions from retained pattern dies. The design is identical to the original: the starless Braided Hair Liberty obverse paired with the small ONE CENT laurel wreath reverse, struck in bronze with a plain edge on a planchet smaller than the circulating large cent. Restrikes typically exhibit a later die state than originals, and may show subtle differences in surface quality, luster, or sharpness that experienced collectors use to differentiate the two issues. The practice of restrike production was widespread at the Philadelphia Mint during this period and accounts for the relative availability (R.4) of this design compared to many other 1854 cent patterns.