1861 Cent Pattern - J-C1861-1

Coin Details

Description

The Confederate States cent pattern, cataloged as Judd-C1861-1, is one of the most historically significant coins in American numismatics. Designed and struck secretly by Philadelphia die-sinker Robert Lovett Jr. in 1861, the obverse features a Liberty Head wearing a Phrygian cap surrounded by thirteen stars, while the reverse displays a wreath of Southern agricultural products including cotton, tobacco, and sugar cane encircling "1 CENT." Lovett produced approximately 12 originals in copper-nickel before becoming fearful of prosecution for aiding the Confederacy, and he hid the dies. They were rediscovered in 1873 when he accidentally spent one of the original pieces. Restrikes were subsequently produced in copper, gold, and silver by John W. Haseltine, who acquired the dies.

Rarity Notes

Original copper-nickel strikings: 12-14 known. Restrikes exist in copper (55 struck), gold (7 struck), and silver (12 struck). Original copper-nickel examples have sold for $100,000-$250,000+. The dies survive at the Smithsonian Institution.

Cross References

Judd-C1861-1; Confederate States Cent; Lovett Confederate Cent