|
Sale 62
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 2032
1863 Pattern Cent. Bronze, plain edge. Judd-301. Pollock-363. PCGS graded Proof 64 Red & Brown. A handsome 1863-L Pattern cent with gleaming deep glowing-coal red surfaces topped by bluish-brown sheen. This handsome 1863-L Patteren cent is one of the most elusive known to collectors. Some might consider it the direct precursor to the rare Proof 1864-L regular issue pieces since it is identical except for the date.
A must for every collector of Indian Cents. The coin's designer (L = Longacre, James B.) was a key player in developing a new reduced-weight standard for the one-cent coin. Beginning as early as 1849-50, the mint experimented with an almost endless variety of sometimes rare, sometimes affordable Pattern cents. The experiments ranged from different metals (mostly base metals pieces like billion, but some containing trace amounts of silver). Also, different weights and sizes were tried. As the 1860s unfolded, the agreed standard was taking form: French bronze, containing 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
Only 3 examples graded in total at PCGS. Very desirsable as the second-cousin 1863-L Proof Indian Cent. Few other than specialists realize this but this year's issue is rarer than the more highly touted 1864-L Proof Cent of which 20 were struck. A must for every Pattern collector. Pop 1; 1 finer in 65 RB. (PCGS # 70456) .
The year 1863 saw the beginning of the 6 year long project to construct a transcontinental railroad. The two firms that built the at first rickety roadbed, received government grants of land and money for every mile of roadbed they constructed. Completion took place in 1869 at Promontory Point, Utah with the driving-in of the golden spike (that was quickly removed and replaced with a normal iron spike). The railroad tracks and ties were so slipshod and poorly constructed that immediately upon completion, the entire line had to be relaid over the next several years! (That part is left out of the school text books.).
Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000.
|
| |
| Realized $34,500 |
|
