1890 Cent Pattern - J-1758

Coin Details

Auction Record

$20,700 MS64 09-12-2006 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

Judd-1758 is an 1890 Indian Head cent struck from regular production dies in copper-nickel with a plain edge, a composition that had not been used for Indian Head cents since the switch to bronze in 1864. The obverse carries James B. Longacre's familiar Indian Head design showing Liberty in a feathered headdress with LIBERTY on the headband, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border, and the date 1890 below. The reverse displays the standard oak wreath with shield enclosing ONE CENT. Q. David Bowers has noted that these pieces are " mint errors" struck on planchets intended for a medal or foreign coin rather than intentional experimental strikings. The business-strike finish distinguishes this piece from the proof versions cataloged as J-1757 and J-1759, indicating these were produced during normal coining operations rather than in the medal room where proof and pattern coins were typically made. At least three examples are known, with two in circulated condition, supporting the theory that some entered circulation unnoticed. As off-metal strikes on copper-nickel planchets weighing approximately 5 grams rather than the standard 3.11-gram bronze planchets, these pieces would have been noticeably heavier and lighter in color than regular issue cents.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Three examples known, two in circulated condition. Among the rarest post-Civil War cent patterns.

Cross References

Judd J-1758, Pollock P-1971