| Slot: |
J-325 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1792-1863 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1863 J-325 SAMUEL BERNGARD COLL. |
| Grade: |
NGC PF 63 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1863 Dime Postage Currency
Judd-325, Pollock-390
Rarity Low R,6 PF63 CAC Endorsed
Struck in silver with plain edge
Obverse: Exhibits an ornamental shield with an inverted laurel wreath suspended from a ring. A pair of crossed arrows are behind the shield, and the inscription EXCHANGED FOR / U.S. NOTES is around the periphery
Reverse:, The denomination 10 CENTS and the date 1863 are surrounded by the inscriptions POSTAGE CURRENCY and ACT JULY 1862.
Comment:
Bright and reflective in the fields, while the lettering and devices show light frost to provide contrast. The strike is sharp and the surfaces are pleasing, with minimal signs of handling. Both dies show cracks and stress.
This piece appears identical and thus believed to be those auction by Heritage in 2000 and 2003 as PCGS PF64 #3504478 ( now deactivated ). At that time is labeled as 19.9 grains. A SEM-EDX analysis (#3504478) was performed, indicating this piece's composition is 96.1% silver and 3.9% copper but even back in 2000 it was deemed lost.
Issued to redeem U.S. notes then in circulation, at least this was the plan at the time these were proposed.
James B. Longacre designed this pattern in May, 1863. At that time, three weight variants were struck of the plain edge silver Postage Currency patterns. No silver pieces of this design are known to have a reeded edge. A combined total of 43 coins at 20 grains and the 22.5 grains were struck to demonstrate the physical properties of two versions of a very thin ten cent silver coin. One plain edge, nearly pure silver fantasy piece was struck weighing 38.3 grains. The authorized weight of a standard silver ten cent coin was 38.4 grains. The intrinsic value of the 20 grain coin offered here in 1863 was given by Mint Assayer William E. DuBois at 5.21 cents or 5.5/24ths cent. The value of the 22.5 grain coin was given by DuBois at 5.73 cents or 5.35/48ths cent. The coins were so thin that DuBois later commented to Salmon P. Chase that they could not be struck using the Mint's steam presses because the thin planchets would jam the machine. These pieces were struck using a screw press. Two coins are known whose planchets were cracked while being struck. It is presumed they were the victims of the steam press. This is only one of several drawbacks to the authorization of these token coins for the purpose of replacing various temporary monetary expedients, much less, the nation's subsidiary coinage
Provenance/Appearances:
From Samuel J. Berngard Collection Stacks and Bowers Mar 2012 Baltimore / Lot #7121; Priors
Heritage Jan 2000 F.U.N. / Lot #7418 and Heritage Jul 2003 Baltimore / Lot #9956 ($2300) both as a PCGS PF64
It was noted in those auctions that this piece was purchased by Mr. Wolfe from Kreisberg and Cohen's Quality Sales Auction, June 29, 1970, lot 1284. Mr. Wolfe had calculated the coin's specific gravity at 10.45.
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| Slot: |
J-327 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1792-1863 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1863 J-327 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 64 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1863 10C Ten Cents,
Judd-327, Pollock-397
Rarity: High R.6, PR64
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in aluminum with a plain edge
Obverse: The obverse depicts a Union shield pierced by two arrows; a simple wreath rests above. The remainder of the design consists of token-like legends; EXCHANGED FOR U.S. NOTES
Reverse:
In the center “10 CENTS” and the Date “1863” with “POSTAL CURRENCY” wraps at top and “ACT JULY 1862” wraps at the bottom border.
Comment:
Seated coinage was silver and widely hoarded. Judd-327 was a proposal to fill the void, though fractional currency was eventually issued instead. This is a well struck piece with lightly marked surfaces exhibit medium steel-gray toning with glimpses of charcoal patina.
During the Postage Currency experiment, samples were prepared utilizing various compositions. Mint Director Pollock sent various samples to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase, with a description of each. Regarding the aluminum samples, Pollock noted “In aluminum, one weighs eight grains: about as thin as would be practicable: intrinsic value about five cents; nominal value ten cents.” An interesting side note to this report is the value of aluminum in 1863, about $3.00 per troy ounce.
This aluminum striking is especially important from a numismatic viewpoint.
Provenance/Appearance:
From the Bob Simpson Collection Heritage Jan 2021 FUN Signature Auction / Lot #3099; Prior
- Heritage Jan 2007 (FUN) / Lot #1288 (passed) NGC 64 (Passed)
- American Numismatic Rarities 1/3/2006 sale of the Prescott Collection / Lot #884 (NGC64) (Passed)
- Heritage May 2005 (CNSN) / Lot #8305 (passed) NGC 64 (Passed)
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| Slot: |
J-331 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1792-1863 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1863 J-331 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 64 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1863 10C Ten Cents
Judd-331, Pollock-402
Rarity: High R.7, PR64 CAC Endorsed
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in copper-nickel with a reeded edge.
Obverse: The design is a dateless Seated Liberty obverse
Reverse: The proposed postage currency reverse featuring 10 CENTS 1863 in the center and * POSTAGE CURRENCY *ACT JULY 1862 around the margin.
Comment: There are five confirmed examples of Judd-331 (formerly Judd-331B), per USPatterns.com. They were produced in 1869 from leftover 1863 dies that were lapped to move rust.
Pale golden-gray surfaces are moderately flashy and partly reflective. Well-struck with an area of reddish color over the left side of Liberty's profile.
The view of these pieces was to be used to redeem small denomination postal notes. It was thought that silver coins of standard .900 fineness, but of reduced weight, would circulate without being subject to hoarding as were the regular-issue full-weight coins.
Provenance/Appearance:
Ex Bob Simpson Collection part 2 Heritage Nov 2020 / Lot #3129; Prior
- Superior Jan 2003 Elite Coin Auction /Lot 512;
- Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers MAY 2001 The Fairchild Family Trust Collection /Lot 1084 In this auction the catalog made a notation “With a small white envelope with the price $90. from many years ago”
|
| Slot: |
J-333 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1792-1863 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1863 J-333 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 65 Brown |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1863 10C Ten Cents,
Judd-333, Pollock-405,
Rarity: Low R.7, PR65 BN
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Obverse/Reverse : Regular die trials striking of the dime, but believed to be restrikes.
Comment:
The USPatterns.com website provides interesting background information and solves the mystery of these pieces:
"Although described as regular dies trial pieces in the literature, this is actually a backdated fantasy piece made to complete off-metal sets of this year which included the quarter, half and dollar with the motto 'In God We Trust' used on regular coinage from 1866 to 1891. This coin was actually made sometime between 1869 and 1875.
This piece was made from the 1869 hub having broken 'S' in States and from an 1869 reverse hub with the die scratch angling upwards from the right wreath into the center."
Beautifully toned in rich shades of cobalt-blue, violet, and cherry-red. A darker smudge is seen in the left obverse field, extending outward from the space between UNITED and STATES, providing a convenient pedigree marker.
Provenance/Appearances:
From The Atherton Collection of U.S. Pattern Coins, Heritage May 2023 CSNS Signature® Auction / Lot #4936; Prior Ex: Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part IV (Heritage, 2/2021), lot 3166.
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| Slot: |
J-381 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1864 J-381 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 64 Red Brown |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1864 10C Ten Cents
Judd-381, Pollock-449
Rarity: Low R.7, PR64 RB CAC Endorsed
Struck in copper with a reeded edge.
Obverse/Reverse: Regular dies of 1864 but struck in copper
Comment: USPatterns.com points out that these deliberately struck off-metal pieces were sold as part of sets that included the quarter, half, and dollar with the motto on the reverse.
Outstanding mirrors beam vividly from all over. The mirrors display bold clarity, cleanliness, and are highly reflective. When you twirl the coin, the mirrors look like a freshly made sheet of glass. Both sides enjoy a gorgeous totally original mix of lots of GEM Mint Red, splashes of olive/pale brown colors. There are NO spots. Miss Liberty and the details are sharply struck and display light frost.
Provenance/Appearances:
Legends Regency Auction 51 Apr 2022 /Lot #307; Priors:
- The Collection of William Rau, Heritage Apr 2018 CSNS / Lot #4954;
- Heritage (Gene Wolfe Collection) Jan 2000 F.U.N. / Lot #7438;
- Superior Jun 2000 (Pre Long Beach) / Lot #2000 ($2,128),
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| Slot: |
J-421 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1865 J-421 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 64 Red Brown |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1865 10C Ten Cents,
Judd-421, Pollock-493,
Rarity: High R.7, PR64 RB
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in copper with a reeded edge
Obverse/Reverse: Struck using the regular dies of year but in copper
Comment:
This alleged dies trial piece was most likely deliberately struck for sale to collectors.. Fewer than four examples have been confirmed, including one in the Connecticut State Library. This is a brightly lustrous example whose obverse displays significant remaining mint red that is mixed with lavender. The reverse is more significantly toned and several shades deeper in hue. Seldom offered
Provenance/Appearances:
Ex Bob Simpson, Heritage Feb 2021 Auction / Lot #3180
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| Slot: |
J-641 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1868 J-641 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 65 Cameo |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1868 10C Postage Currency,
Judd-641, Pollock-713
Rarity: Low R.7, PR65 Cam CAC Endorsed
Struck in Nickel with Plain Edge
Obverse: The obverse is the regular issue design of the Seated Liberty dime except with no date.
Reverse: A six-pointed star, the denomination ONE DIME and the date 1868 are enclosed by a wreath of cereals.
Comment:
Numismatic researcher David Cassel has researched this and other related issues, all included under the broad category as "postage currency." His research shows that this pattern issue was actually coined in 1863 from a die that was incorrectly dated 1868.
Sharply struck devices have a bold frosty look that contrast brilliantly against the clean, deep, awesome mirrors. A few minor ticks in the planchet are noted and do not detract from the eye appeal. VERY RARE and while the design is only lightly different than the regular issue, the differences make this pattern issue unique and more elegant
Provenance Appearance:- FROM THE STEVEN COOK COLLECTION Legends Auction #26 May 17, 2018 / Lot 718; Prior
- Stacks September 2011 Philadelphia Americana / Lot 5777;
- Heritage March 2011 Sacramento ANA / Lot #4387 (PCGS# 4693181);
- Stacks 3/3/2010 Selections from the Estate of Louis E. Eliasberg, Jr. and the Collection of Chester L. Krause / Lot 1304 (PCGS PF65);
- Heritage Feb 2009 Long Beach, CA Signature Auction / Lot #2326 (PCGS# 4693181);
- Also the Superior June 1998 Auction /Lot #1991 (also PCGS holder #4693181)
- Heritage Jul 1997 ANA Lot #7294
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| Slot: |
J-644 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1868 J-644 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 64 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1868 10C Postage Currency
Judd-644, Pollock-716, Cassel-18
Rarity: Low R.7, PR64 CAC Endorsed.
Ex: Garrett.
Struck in copper-nickel with a reeded edge
Obverse: A central shield with diagonal arrows behind, EXCHANGED FOR above and U.S. NOTES below.
Reverse: A variant of the adopted design with the central wreath surrounding ONE DIME, a six-pointed star above and the date below.
Comment:
This series of patterns have less advanced die cracks than their 1863 counterparts. Occasional striking softness and areas of die rust and die cracks can be seen with a loupe. Pale rose toning covers otherwise brilliant surfaces.
The metallic composition of this piece is listed as 75% copper and 25% nickel.
30.70 grains
Provenance/Appearances:
From Heritage Jan 2020 FUN - Orlando / Lot #5874; Prior Ex: John Work Garrett Collection (Stack's, 3/1976)/lot 602; Paramount's session, Aug 1982 Auction '82 / lot 1814; Charmont Sale (Steve Ivy, 8/1983)/lot #4586; Milton R. Friedberg Collection (C.A.A., 1/1997), lot 1128; David Cassel Collection / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2015), lot 595.
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| Slot: |
J-647 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1868 J-647 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 65 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1868 10C
Judd-647, Pollock-720
Rarity: Low R.6, PR65 CAC Endorsed.
Ex Newman
Struck in nickel with a plain edge
Obverse: Features Liberty head the almost identical design used on large cents from 1843 to 1857.
Reverse: Similar to the large cornet head large cents except TEN CENTS is in the center of the wreath.
Comment:
It is probable that these patterns were prepared simply to exhibit the size and weight of the suggested coin rather than to illustrate a proposed design.. The same obverse was used for one cent and ten cents patterns in 1868. About two dozen examples are believed known in nickel while more are estimated extant in copper. The surfaces are bright and reflective with the look of aged nickel. Fully struck throughout
Provenance/Appearance:
From Heritage April 2021 CSNS / Lot #4891; Prior from The Eric P. Newman Collection Heritage April 2013 CSNS / Lot #3964 (NGC65 CAC)
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| Slot: |
J-648 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1868 J-648 |
| Grade: |
NGC PF 64 BN |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1868 10C
Judd-648, Pollock-721,
Rarity: High R.6, PF64
Struck in copper with a plain edge.
Obverse: The designs are similar to the Mature Head Large Cent struck between 1843 and 1857.
Reverse: Similar to the large sent reverse of the the 1850’s except the denomination is expressed as TEN CENTS, and the wreath is more slender and is open at the top.
Comment:
While not as well known as the pattern 1868 Large Cent (Judd-611), this denomination was more practical for coinage, since it could be used to replace the despised fractional currency notes then in circulation. About two dozen of these patterns are known in copper, according to Saul Teichman, although the 10th edition of the Judd reference rates this variety as High R.6, suggesting a surviving population of just over a dozen examples. NGC and PCGS have certified 24 pieces, supporting the population estimate of Teichman at USPatterns.com.
Provenance/Appearances:
Private purchase 5/16
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| Slot: |
J-696 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1869 J-696 |
| Grade: |
NGC PF 64 CAMEO |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1869 10C Std Silver
Judd-696, Pollock-775
Rarity: R.5; PR64Cam
Struck in silver with a reeded edge.
Obverse: Liberty wearing a cap with three large stars, and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" is displayed in a banner beneath the bust.
Reverse: 10 CENTS at the center surrounded by a thick wreath of oak and laurel. "STANDARD SILVER" is across the top at the border, and the date is below and outside the wreath at the boarder.
Comment:
Well preserved with brilliant surfaces throughout and deeply mirrored fields. A few wispy hairlines.
This Reverse type was paired with all three 1869 10 Cent Obverses
Provenance/Appearances:
Private sale mar 2014; Prior Heritage June 2010 Long Beach, CA Auction / Lot #1473
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| Slot: |
J-705 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1869 J-705 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 64 Brown |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1869 10C
Judd-705, Pollock-784
Rarity: Low R.7
CAC Endorsed
Ex Simpson Collection
Struck in copper with a plain edge.
Obverse: A bust of Liberty faces right wearing a diadem with the hair tied in a bun. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is around the bust with IN GOD WE TRUST on a ribbon below.
Reverse: has 10 CENTS in the center, surrounded by a thick wreath of oak and laurel. "STANDARD SILVER" is across the upper reverse border, and the date (1869) is below and outside the wreath at the boarder
Comment:
The surfaces are pristine-even when using a strong glass. Both sides have an even original rich chocolate color. Miss Liberty and every detail are so needle sharp they look sculpted. The eye appeal is very strong.
Current estimates suggest that about 10 to 12 examples of this pattern variety are known
Provenance/appearances:
Bob Simpson: The Regency Auction XXI May 2017 Lot 5, Possibly 2003 Bowers & Merena Lot 4661
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| Slot: |
J-708 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1869 J-708 |
| Grade: |
PCGS PF 65 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1869 10C Standard Silver
Judd-708, Pollock-787
Rarity: R.5;PR65
Struck in silver with a reeded edge.
Obverse: Liberty faces right, wearing a headband with a single large star in the forehead area. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA borders the upper periphery, with IN GOD WE TRUST in a curved ribbon below.
Reverse: 10 CENTS at the center surrounded by a thick wreath of oak and laurel. "STANDARD SILVER" is across the top at the border, and the date is below and outside the wreath at the boarder.
Comment:
The obverse is deep blue and the reverse is bright rose with just a hint of peripheral blue. The fields are deeply reflective
Provenance:
Private sale feb 2018; Prior Appears to be from Heritage August 2004 Pittsburgh, PA Signature Sale / Lot #7947 & Heritage 2008 October 14 Internet sale / Lot #22469 & since crossed over from NGC to PCGS
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| Slot: |
J-715 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1869 J-715 100% Cu (2.4 g) |
| Grade: |
NGC PF 66 BN |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1869 10C Postage Currency
Judd-715, Pollock-794
Rarity: Low R.7 PF66BN
Ex: David Cassel
Struck in Copper with Reeded Edge
Obverse: The obverse is similar to the regular issue, but without the date in exergue.
Reverse: The reverse has SIL. 9/ NIC. 1 in larger letters, the date is below, smaller, and slightly curved.
Comment:
Of the six known examples of this copper striking, this is the finest certified. SEM-EDX testing by Ledoux & Company Certificate number 919577-011 proved it to be almost pure copper: 99.7% copper and 0.2% nickel. Curiously, the silver / nickel alloy stamped on the reverse of this piece does not appear to exist on any coins of this design.
Lilac-red, sea-green, and orange-gold toning enriches both sides. Parallel diagonal roller marks cross the obverse, but post-strike imperfections are limited to minor carbon.
Provenance/Appearance:
From The Towers Collection, Heritage CSNS May 2024 Lot #3703 Ex:
- Long Beach Bullet Sale (Heritage, 9/28/1998), lot 1021;
- Pre-Long Beach (Goldberg Auctions, 5/2003), lot 596;
- David Cassel Collection / Chicago ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2015), lot 5959;
- Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2016), lot 1234.
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| Slot: |
J-716 |
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PATTERNS & TRIAL COINS 1864-1869 |
| Item Description: |
10C 1869 J-716 |
| Grade: |
NGC PF 63 |
| Research: |
View Coin |
Owner Comments
1869 10C Postage Currency
Judd-716, Pollock-795
Rarity: high R.6, CAC Endorsed
Struck in Koulz's Alloy (1)
Obverse: The obverse is similar to the regular issue, but without the date in exergue.
Reverse: The reverse has SIL. / NIC. / COP. in larger letters, the date is below, smaller, and slightly curved.
Comment: This second reverse pattern has a reeded edge and was struck in a supposedly unworkable alloy of silver, nickel, and copper: Koulz's alloy. Because of the brittleness of the alloy, examples are invariably seen with chipping and flaking. Here the brittleness is mostly seen at the bottom of the obverse and top of the reverse. Each side is deeply toned.
Provenance/Appearance:
From The Virginia Cabinet, Heritage April 2015 CSNS Chicago/Lot #5984
(1) an article on US Patterns.com -- "A Misnomer Mystery Finally Solved" Copyright By David Cassel , Author of “United States Pattern Postage Currency Coins” reports that Koulz's may have been a simple typographical error and was not the correct name but rather Montchal Ruolz proposed the metal (who was born in Paris in 1809).
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