1863 Cent Pattern - J-300

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,113 MS64 02-23-2023 Legend Rare Coin Auctions

Description

Judd-300 is a business-strike cent pattern from 1863 testing an alternative design or composition for the Indian Head cent. This variety differs from J-299 in specific design details or metallic content, representing another option in the Mint's systematic evaluation of cent alternatives during the hoarding crisis. By 1863, the situation had become so severe that Congress passed legislation authorizing postage currency and fractional currency notes to replace the missing small coins. The Mint's pattern program during this year focused heavily on finding a cent composition that would be economical to produce while discouraging the melting and hoarding that had removed existing coins from circulation.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-15 specimens known.

Cross References

Judd-300; Pollock-352