Lot 1203
1864. Pattern Cent. Judd-353, Pollack-425, Rarity-5, copper with some aluminum, plain edge. . J-353. PCGS graded Proof 65. The Philadelphia Mint was looking for a substitute for the alloy used in making cents. Nickel was found to be expensive and hard to work with. This coin is an example of a ratio of 13 parts copper alloy combined with one part of aluminum. This combination gave the coins a gold color, and the metal was very hard, making full strikes difficult, if not impossible to obtain. In the recent PCGS Population Report, we note this coin is tied with 2 others for the finest graded of 9 seen in Proof. Gem surfaces throughout, with lovely mint color and only a hint of delicate toning. Regular dies (no L) for 1864. Boldly and completely struck, with full device details throughout. Although Judd notes that striking these was difficult as the aluminum alloy made the coin very hard, this one is perfectly struck.
Later in April 1864, the alloy of .95 copper to .05 tin and zinc was adapted and nickel was no longer used in cent production as an alloy, and the use of aluminum as an alloy was put back on the experimental shelf.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Ex: Ira S. Reed, 4/27/45 at $12.50.
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| Realized $2,300 |
