1854 Proof Half Cent Pattern - J-155

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

Judd-155 is a trial striking of the regular 1854 Braided Hair half cent dies in oroide. The obverse features the standard Braided Hair Liberty Head design facing left with thirteen stars around the periphery and the date 1854 below, identical to the regular-issue half cent. The reverse displays the standard half cent wreath enclosing "HALF CENT" with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" around the border. What distinguishes this pattern from regular 1854 half cents is its composition: it was struck in oroide, which Pollock's analysis found to be 80% copper, 16% tin and 4% silver, rather than the standard copper of circulation half cents; the one known piece weighs 83.4 grains (USPatterns). This piece represents one facet of the Mint's broad 1854 experimentation program, which tested not only new designs and sizes for the cent denomination but also alternative alloys for existing denominations. The half cent denomination was itself nearing extinction, with 1857 being the final year of production, making this experimental striking a doubly significant transitional artifact. Reference data: struck in oroide with a plain edge, rated unique. Catalogued as Judd-155, Pollock-184, A/W 192, Taxay EP173. metallurgical trial. This can also be considered a die trial. In Robert Tettenhorst collection.

Rarity Notes

Unique (USPatterns.com)

Cross References

Judd-155; Pollock-184; Adams-Woodin 192; Taxay EP173