1866 Cent Pattern - J-456

Coin Details

Auction Record

$8,625 MS64 01-03-2006 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

A business strike impression of the 1866 Indian Head cent pattern bearing the newly mandated IN GOD WE TRUST motto. The obverse retains James B. Longacre's familiar Indian Head design introduced in 1859, while the reverse features the oak wreath and shield arrangement adopted in 1860 with the addition of the national motto. Congress required IN GOD WE TRUST on all coins of sufficient size beginning in 1866, and this pattern represents the Mint's testing of motto placement on the smallest circulating denomination. Struck in the standard bronze composition used for regular-issue cents since 1864, this piece demonstrates that the motto could be integrated into the cent's compact reverse without compromising legibility or design balance.

Rarity Notes

R.6 to R.7. Approximately 10-15 examples survive.

Cross References

Pollock-3524