1864 Cent Pattern - J-355a

Coin Details

Description

Judd-355a, Pollock-425, is a die trial of the regular 1864 Indian Head cent struck in an aluminum-copper alloy of 90% copper and 10% aluminum with a plain edge. This compositional experiment was conducted as Congress and the Mint debated the shift from copper-nickel to bronze for cent coinage, and officials tested a range of alloys to identify the best combination of durability, striking quality, and production cost. The Mint State quality of known examples indicates these pieces were prepared for official inspection rather than circulation, and the a-suffix distinguishes this alloy from the base J-355 copper striking. Aluminum was of particular interest as the metal was newly practical and far lighter than copper, potentially enabling a reduced-weight cent.

Rarity Notes

R.6. A modest number of survivors known, as expected for a compositional trial that served its testing purpose without wide distribution.

Cross References

Judd-355a; Pollock-425