1896 Cent Pattern - J-1768

Coin Details

Description

Judd-1768 in business strike format is a pattern cent struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge, produced as part of the comprehensive 1896 alloy testing program ordered by Congress. The obverse features Chief Engraver Charles Barber's shield design with thirteen vertical stripes, a scroll inscribed LIBERTY draped across the shield's center, and two crossed poles behind it topped by a Phrygian cap and an eagle. E PLURIBUS UNUM appears above the shield and the date 1896 below, all within a beaded border. The reverse displays the denomination ONE CENT centered within a curved olive sprig, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border and a matching beaded border. This business-strike version differs from the proof J-1768 in its satin-like surfaces without the mirrored fields characteristic of proof production. The 1896 alloy test program responded to a House of Representatives resolution asking the Secretary of the Treasury to report on the advantages and disadvantages of various alloys for minor coinage. According to official Mint records, fifteen different metallic compositions were tested, with ten pieces struck from each alloy. The copper-nickel composition used for J-1768 matched the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy already employed for five-cent pieces, testing whether this harder alloy might improve the cent's durability in circulation.

Rarity Notes

R-5. Approximately 30 to 60 examples exist across all compositions.

Cross References

Judd J-1768, Pollock P-1983