1863 Cent Pattern - J-299

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,300 PR66 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-299 is a business-strike cent pattern from 1863 struck in copper-nickel using the regular Indian Head cent dies. This piece was produced during the height of the coin hoarding crisis, when virtually all metallic coinage had vanished from everyday commerce. Fractional currency notes and postage stamps served as substitutes for small change, creating an urgent need for the Mint to develop a cent that was cheap enough to produce in vast quantities yet unattractive for hoarding. The copper-nickel composition of this pattern represents the status quo that would soon be abandoned in favor of lighter, cheaper bronze.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6. Approximately 15-20 specimens known. Business-strike format makes attribution more challenging than proof versions.

Cross References

Judd-299; Pollock-351