1856 Cent Patterns

About This Coin

The 1856 Cent Patterns is a United States cent from the Early Republic Patterns (1792-1859) series. The obverse features various experimental designs testing different concepts for U.S. coinage, while the reverse displays various experimental designs. Designed by Various Mint engravers and outside artists. Early Republic Patterns (1792-1859) represent the experimental and trial pieces created as the young nation established its coinage system. These include the legendary 1792 patterns (half dismes, cents, and Birch cents), as well as ongoing experiments with new designs, metals, and denominations. Each piece is cataloged in the Judd reference system. Among the most historically important numismatic artifacts. The 1792 patterns document the very founding of American coinage. Later patterns show the evolution of design concepts that were either adopted or rejected.