1862 Cent Pattern - J-290

Coin Details

Auction Record

$6,300 MS64BN 11-22-2020 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-290 is a business-strike cent pattern from 1862, struck in copper-nickel alloy using Indian Head cent dies. The distinction between this business-strike version and the proof J-290 lies in the method of manufacture — this piece was struck with standard production force rather than the multiple, carefully controlled strikes used for proofs. The year 1862 saw the beginning of severe coin hoarding triggered by the economic uncertainty of the Civil War, with gold disappearing from circulation first, followed by silver and eventually even copper-nickel cents. This environment made the Mint acutely interested in testing alternative compositions and designs that might resist hoarding.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6. Approximately 15-20 specimens known. Business-strike examples are sometimes more difficult to attribute than their proof counterparts.

Cross References

Judd-290; Pollock-342