1863 Proof Two Cent Pattern - J-305, Washington

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,625 • PR65 • 01-05-2011 • Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-305, Pollock-357, is one of the most historically significant patterns in all of American numismatics. The obverse features a portrait of George Washington facing left, making this the first serious attempt to place a presidential portrait on a circulating US coin denomination. The reverse bears the denomination TWO CENTS surrounded by a wreath, with GOD OUR COUNTRY as the motto — an early variation of the religious sentiment that would evolve into IN GOD WE TRUST. This pattern was produced at the direction of Mint Director James Pollock, who was responding to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase's request to incorporate a reference to the Deity on US coinage. The Washington portrait was ultimately rejected in favor of the shield design, but J-305 remains a landmark in the development of American coinage.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 to R-8. Extremely rare and highly sought after. The Washington portrait obverse makes this one of the most desirable Civil War era patterns. Auction prices can exceed $50,000.

Cross References

Judd-305; Pollock-357; Washington portrait two-cent