Lot 1015
1853 Pattern Cent. Nickel, plain edge. PCGS graded Proof 65. Toned in deep, gray-blue toning on both sides. This extremely rare "pattern" combined a blank obverse (with denticles all around) with the reverse used on 1853 Pattern one cent pieces (Judd numbers 149-151; Pollock 178). While the Mint churned out huge numbers of Large Cents each year, they continued behind-the-scenes efforts to find a cheaper, smaller alternative -- something that would convince the public that the new coin, despite being smaller, was of equal and full value. Such an alternative was not found until 1856, when the Mint began striking the immensely popular Flying Eagle cents. Which begs the question, "Was it the design or the alloy?" This is the only example certified by PCGS, in any grade, and has no recent aution receord.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
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| Realized $6,038 |
