1942 Cent Pattern - RB-42-70-X-2

Coin Details

Description

Reed-Brenner 42-70-X-2 is the second experimental cent pattern in the Reed-Brenner X-series from the 1942 wartime testing program. Unlike its parenthesized-date counterparts (RB-42-70-X-1 and X-3), this pattern carries the definite 1942 date, indicating firmer attribution to the main production period. The Reed-Brenner experimental series supplemented the standard Judd-numbered patterns by documenting additional compositions or die combinations that fell outside the primary catalog sequence. Each X-series pattern tested a specific material formulation, contributing to the comprehensive dataset the Mint assembled to support its recommendation of zinc-coated steel as the replacement composition. The Reed-Brenner numbering system, developed by Mort Reed and David Brenner (no relation to Lincoln cent designer Victor David Brenner), provides the most detailed catalog of the 1942 wartime experimental pieces, capturing varieties that the Judd reference treats as sub-variants or omits entirely.

Rarity Notes

R-6 to R-7. Very rare. Reed-Brenner experimental patterns survive in very limited numbers.

Cross References

Reed-Brenner RB-42-70-X-2; 1942 wartime cent composition testing program; Mort Reed / David Brenner (catalog authors)