1864 Cent Pattern - J-353

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,875 MS65 01-12-2005 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-353 is a business-strike cent pattern from 1864, the pivotal year when the cent denomination transitioned from copper-nickel to bronze. This pattern was struck from the Indian Head cent dies with the "L" initial of designer James B. Longacre on the ribbon, a detail added partway through 1864 production. The business-strike format indicates this was a production test rather than a collector piece. The Coinage Act of April 22, 1864 authorized the new bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) and reduced the cent's weight from 4.67 to 3.11 grams, making 1864 patterns essential to documenting this historic transition.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6. Approximately 15-20 specimens known. Business strikes of 1864 cent patterns exist alongside proof versions.

Cross References

Judd-353; Pollock-423