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Uniformity – 1868 Low Denomination Currency

Category:  Pattern Coins
Owner:  mania
Last Modified:  1/16/2024
Set Description

Uniformity – 1868 Low Denomination Currency
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A bill was put forward to develop low denomination currency with the intended purpose to redeem the fractional currency notes in circulation. These pieces would be the Copper–Nickel composition and to include the One Cent, Three Cent, Five Cents, and Dime . In 1868 the Mint responded with several patterns with a uniform approach - borrowing the obverse design from Longacre’s Three Cent Nickel where the Liberty Head is wearing a Coronet and the reverse design being a wreath with a Roman Numeral within (I, III, V or "5") for the denomination. Two reverse wreaths were prepared.. The Longacre’s agricultural Wreath, as used on the 1856 Flying Eagle and the laurel wreath - similar to that used on the 1859 Indian Head cent.

Pollack, in his reference book, indicated a belief that 100 - 3 piece Copper Nickel sets (one, three, and Five Cent pieces) were distributed to congress. However, far fewer sets were assembled in copper and aluminum.

This pattern registry is my attempt to recreate these sets and their expanded pattern sample population of similar Coronet Head designs produced in these years. The trio of these patterns were again replicated in 1869 even though the concept appeared shelved. It is reported these sets wee sold to collectors for 9$




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Set Goals
Assemble the small denomination patterns sets representing both Copper-Nickel and Copper patterns for both 1868 & 1869.


Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin 1868 1C J-605 Nickel / Agricultural wreath United States 1C 1868 J-605 PCGS PF 63
1868 1C
Judd-605, Pollock-670
Rarity: Low R.6, PF63


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: The design closely resembles the contemporary three cent nickel with the head of liberty wearing a cornet.

Reverse: Similar to the 3CN however only a single pillar represents the denomination within a open wreath of wheat, cotton, corn and tobacco.

Comment:
The obverse 2nd 8 in the date encroaches into the curls of Liberty. The date appears to be modified in J-608 with a more centered date away from the curls.

Light gray patina covers both sides with a few tiny flyspecks on the obverse.

Provenance/Appearance:
From Heritage Oct 2016 Dallas Signature Auction / Lot #3974
View Coin WANT 1868 1C J-606 Copper / Agricultural wreath United States 1C 1868 J-606 NGC PF 62 BN
1868 1C Cent
Judd-606, Pollock-671, Snow-PT2b
Rarity: Low R.7, PR62 BN


Struck In copper with plain edge

Obverse: The obverse greatly resembles the three cent nickel design were Liberty is wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY and the coin is smaller, The date 1868 is touching Liberty's lowest curl and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery.

Reverse: The reverse has a large Roman numeral I enclosed within a wreath of wheat, corn, tobacco, and cotton.

Comment: This piece displays deep burnt-brown patina with subtle texture in the fields. The strike is sharply struck and bold, and there are few signs of marks.

This piece was one of the small denomination pieces struck in trial as part of the 3 piece set of ,1 3, and 5 cents all in copper. USpatterns.com states only 2 or 3 dozen sets (J605 type) were believed struck in nickel and just a half dozen sets (J606 type) in copper.

Provenance/Appearance:
From The Toro Collection 2021 Heritage Oct 4 The Toro Collection US Coins Showcase Auction / Lot #45539; Prior From The Jones Beach Collection , Heritage Jan 2007 Orlando (FUN) Signature Auction / Lot #1349

View Coin 1868 1C J-608 Nickel / Laurel wreath United States 1C 1868 J-608 NGC PF 66
1868 1C
Judd-608, Pollock-673
Rarity: R.4, PR66 CAC Endorsed


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

.Obverse: The design closely resembles the contemporary three cent nickel

Reverse: A single pillar represents the denomination within the wreath, and the ribbon ends are more prominent.

Comment: This is the Pollock Variety 2 with the date centered over a denticle.
A sharply struck and essentially brilliant Premium Gem with flashy fields and an undisturbed appearance.

USpattern.com site shares the following information


In this year, the mint began testing of a uniformly designed minor set containing the one cent, 3 cent and 5 cent design struck in nickel.

Two such design sets were prepared. One such set, contained J608/P673, J618/P687 and J633/P704-P705. It earliest sales occurrence appears to be Mason & Co's 9/1869 Thorn sale.
The other contained J605/P670, J615/P680 and J623/P692 or the wide planchet J624/P693. Its earliest sales occurrence was Mason & Co's 10/1869 J. C. Randall sale.
Both sets were sold to collectors for $9 per Ed Cogan's 1/1871 sale lot 303. Some sets may have had mixed coinage from among the 6-7 pieces available.


Provenance/Appearances:
Private sale with Rick Snow Feb 2018 ; Prior From The Martin L. Diffenbaucher, Jr. Collection Heritage Jan 2009 Orlando, FL FUN Auction / Lot #2022

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Small Denomination sets of 1868 and 1869




View Coin 1868 1C J-609 Copper / Laurel wreath United States 1C 1868 J-609 PCGS PF 63 Brown
1868 1C
Judd-609, Pollock-674
Rarity: High R.7, PR63 BN

Ex: Simpson.


Struck in copper with a plain edge.

Obverse: The design closely resembles that of the three cent nickel

Reverse: Closely resembles that of the three cent nickel except that the Roman numeral I instead of III is within the wreath. RI in AMERICA touch at the bases, and the base of the 1 in the date is repunched.

Comment:
These patterns were issued in sets along with the 3 cent (Judd-618-Judd-620) and 5 cent (Judd-633-Judd-634). All copper strikes seen are of the High Date variant, unlike the nickel patterns that are found in both High and Centered Date varieties. Only a half dozen pieces are believed known. The surfaces on this piece have mellowed to an attractive iridescence. Planchet flakes are located on the neck of Liberty, the face, and another on the reverse to the left of the I in the denomination.

Provenance/Appearances:
From The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Heritage Sept 2020 Important Selections, Part I / Lot #10225, Prior Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctions May 2003 /Lot #592

Plate Coin for PCGS Coinfacts for Type J609

View Coin 1868 3C J-615 Nickel / Agricultural wreath United States 3CN 1868 J-615 PCGS PF 65
1868 3C Three Cent Nickel
Judd-615, Pollock-680
Rarity: R.5, PR65


Struck in nickel with a plain edge

Obverse: Similar to the adopted 3CN design, but with smaller date and wider rim.

Reverse: Reverse has a large Roman numeral III (plain with no ribbing) in a agricultural wreath, similar to the $3 gold piece.

Comment:
Pleasing pewter-dove and clear gold patina over highly reflective surfaces. Sharply struck and very original, and devoid of contact. A lens locates infrequent tiny gray flecks.What a cool Pattern three cent nickel!

Provenance/ Appearance:
FROM THE SEATTLE COLLECTION Legends mar 2020 Auction # 37 / #130; Heritage Mar 2013 Dallas / Lot #4058; Heritage Nov 2012 Houston / Lot #4673 (passed)


View Coin 1868 3C J-616 Copper / Agricultural wreath United States 3CN 1868 J-616 PCGS PF 64 Red Brown
1868 3CN (In Copper)
Judd-616, Pollock-682, A.W.-689
Rarity: High R.6 (13- 20 Pieces) PR64RB


Struck In copper with plain edge

Obverse: The obverse is similar to the contemporary three cent nickel.
Reverse: While similar to the contemporary three cent nickel, the denomination is not ribbed and the obverse rim is unusually wide.

Comment:
USPatterns.com, Tom Delorey observed that the obverse design is a regular 17.9 mm three cent obverse set in a small cent 19.1 mm die blank, leaving a wide border around that side; while the reverse is sized as a normal small cent. Each side displays significant portions of bright mint red with blue-brown mellowed color elsewhere.

Provenance/Appearances:
Heritage June 2017 Long Beach Expo - Long Beach / Lot #4672
View Coin 1868 3C J-618 Nickel / Laurel wreath United States 3CN 1868 J-618 PCGS PF 64
1868 3CN Three Cent Nickel,
Judd-618, Pollock-687
Rarity: R.4, PR64

Ex Denali


Struck in with a plain edge

Obverse: Similar to the regular issue three cent nickel, but the devices are set in larger fields.

Reverse: Design is similar to the regular-issue three cent nickel, but with the wreath is farther from the rims and no ribs in the reverse columns.

Comment:

This example is essentially brilliant

Provenance/Appearance:
From Legends Numismatics
WANT 1868 3 Cent Copper Nickel/Laurel Wreath United States 3CN 1868 J-619
View Coin 1868 J-623 United States 5C 1868 J-623 PCGS PF 64 Cameo
1868 5C Five Cents
Judd-623, Pollock-692
Rarity: R.5, PR64 Cam


Struck in Nickel with Plain Edge

Obverse: The obverse is a larger variant of the three cent nickel design
Reverse: The denomination has a large 5 above small CENTS slightly curved in a laurel wreath with a tiny IN GOD WE TRUST above. Struck on a narrow planchet.

Comment:
Light golden iridescent toning is dusted over the boldly reflective fields and frosted devices. The reverse shows some natural, as made, planchet flakes that identify this piece, but have little impact on the grade or eye appeal.
Perhaps 40 to 50 of these are known per the USPatterns.com website.

Provenance/appearances:
Legends Regency Auction 51 Apr 2022 Lot 315
View Coin 1868 J-624 United States 5C 1868 J-624 PCGS PF 66 Cameo
1868 5C
Judd-624, Pollock-693
Rarity: Low R.6, PR66 Cameo CAC Endorsed

Ex: Simpson


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: The obverse is a larger variant of the three cent nickel design
Reverse: The denomination 5 CENTS is in the center surrounded by a laurel wreath. The CENTS is slightly curved.

Comment:
Struck on a broad, slightly oversized five cent planchet with a wide border around each side. This obverse / reverse combination was struck in nickel, copper, and aluminum. The nickel pieces are the most frequently encountered, and it is estimated that 2-3 dozen examples may exist of this wide-border variant. This is the finest example certified of this unusual wide-border pattern. The surfaces are bright and almost free from toning. Nicely mirrored fields provide good background for the thickly frosted devices. Slightly toned around the margins.

Provenance/Appearances:
From the Bob Simpson Collection, Heritage April 2021 Central States Signature Auction / Lot #4213; Prior Heritage Jan 1999 FUN99 The North Georgia Collection /Lot #7461 (PF65); American Numismatic Rarities Sept 2003 The Classics Sale / Lot #7 PF65
View Coin 1868 5C J-628 Copper / Agricultural wreath United States 5C 1868 J-628 PCGS PF 62 Brown
1868 5C
Judd-628, Pollock-697
Rarity: High R.7, PR62 BN

Ex Charles Ruby


Struck in copper with a reeded edge.

Obverse: A bust of Liberty faces left with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border and the date 1868 below. Liberty's portrait is similar to that used on the regular issue three cent nickel of 1865-1889.

Reverse: The denomination “5 CENTS” is in the center of a laurel wreath. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is at the top.

Comment:
Fewer than a half-dozen examples are believed known today. This interesting pattern features broad borders on both sides. A seemingly original example, both sides are toned in medium brown patina with brighter, multicolored undertones. An abrasion in the right reverse field is noted as a pedigree marker.

Provenance/Appearances:
Private Sale 6/19; Prior From The Collection of William Rau Heritage April 2018 CSNS - Chicago / Lot #4986; Heritage Aug 2001 ANA Signature Auction / Lot 8352. Ex: Dr. Charles L. Ruby Collection Superior Feb 1974 / lot 1958;
View Coin 1868 5C J-633 Nickel / wreath with small Maltese cross atop United States Nickel 5C 1868 J-633 PCGS PF 64
1868 5C
Judd-633, Pollock-704
Rarity R.4, PR64 CAC Endorsed


Struck in nickel with a plain edge

Obverse: The obverse design is that of the three cent nickel, as adopted, but on a larger planchet, with minor design modifications appropriate to the larger diameter.
Reverse: Features a Roman numeral V in the center, with a laurel wreath encircling, scroll with IN GOD WE TRUST and Maltese cross above..

Comment: . An attractive piece with a nice strike, quite well detailed, from a die pair that was not fully polished (this being characteristic of all examples ofJ-633).
There is a set 1c , 3 C and 5C with similar liberty heads with cornet and all have roman numerals reverse within a laurel wreath.

Provenance / Appearance:
03-Jan-2006 American Numismatic Rarities The Robert Michael Prescott Collection / Lot 872 ($1,500), Direct sale with US COIN 2012
View Coin 1868 5C J-634 Copper Nickel / wreath with small Maltese cross atop United States 5C 1868 J-634 PCGS PF 67 Brown
1868 5C Five Cents,
Judd-634, Pollock-706,
High R.7, PR67 BN
Ex: Simpson.


Struck in copper with a plain edge

Obverse:
The overall design is similar to the circulating three cent nickel, in larger format and with a V in the central reverse to indicate a five cent piece. Unlike the three cent nickel, Liberty has a small star on her coronet. The date 1868 is in exergue. Different the nickel version (J-633) the date is high, with the 1 centered between the milling and the truncation of Miss Liberty.

Reverse:
The reverse has a wreath with small Maltese cross atop, surrounded by a scroll bearing IN GOD WE TRUST.

Comment: A superb Gem proof. fully detailed and highly attractive example. Might deserve a cameo designation.

Rich magenta, lime green, gold, and light brown toning might be masking the contrast enough to prevent a cameo designation.

Provenance/Appearance:
Important Selections from The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part XI , Heritage Jan 2024 FUN / Lot #5263 Priors:
- Herbert Melnick (Goodman Collection), Jul 1982 lot 211;
- Steve Ivy Aug 1980 (The ANA) lot 777;
- Bowers & Ruddy Sept 1975 ( Winthrop Collection), Lot 39
Ex Dr. J. Hewitt Judd Collection


View Coin 1869 1C J-666 Nickel / Laurel wreath United States 1C 1869 J-666 NGC PF 66 CAMEO
1869 1C
Judd-666, Pollock-741,
Rarity: Low R.6, PF66CAM CAC Endorsed


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: The obverse exhibits a Liberty head facing left with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery and the date below. Liberty wears a coronet inscribed LIBERTY.

Reverse: A Roman numeral I is centered in a laurel wreath on the reverse.


Comment:
Judd-666 was struck from at least three obverse and two reverse dies, designated Pollock-741 through -743 by Andrew Pollock. This example represents Pollock-741, with the 9 in the date closer and under the curl, L in Liberty between 2nd and 3rd pearl and broad ribbon ends on the reverse.

The design elements of this Premium Gem are well-detailed, with just a touch of softness on the lower hair curls. Designated as a Cameo as the frosty devices exhibit definite elements of contrast with the deeply mirrored fields.
View Coin 1869 3C J-676 Nickel / Laurel wreath United States 3CN 1869 J-676 NGC PF 66 CAMEO
1869 3CN
Judd-676, Pollock-753, 755
Rarity: R.4, PR66+ Cameo

Ex: Eric P. Newman Collection


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: The design resembles the regular dies, with Liberty wearing a coronet on the obverse, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the date below.

Reverse: The reverse is known in two varieties; this coin represents the more common one, with a low laurel wreath surrounding the denomination III, and short dentils.

Comment: These patterns were issued in cents with similar design one cent and five cents patterns. This pleasing Premium Gem proof exhibits soft central details and natural planchet marks that remain from a less than full strike. The nickel-gray surfaces have fully mirrored fields and satiny devices

Provenance/Appearance:
Original from The Eric P Neman Collection, Heritage April 2013 CSNA Signature Auction Chicago /Lot #3969 (as NGC PF66 with CAC Endorsement); Then agan Heritage Jan 2017 FUN Signature Auction - Fort Lauderdale / Lot #6496; Acquired at Heritage June 2017 Long Beach Sale / Lot #4676
Original Newman envelope was labeled “LYNCHBURG VA”

View Coin 1869 5C J-684 Nickel / Laurel wreath United States 5C 1869 J-684 PCGS PF 64
1869 5C Five Cents,
Judd-684, Pollock-763
Rarity: R.5, PR64+ CAC Endorsed

Ex: Simpson.


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: Reminiscent of the contemporary three cent nickel, but Liberty's coronet has a star,

Reverse: The Roman numeral V in withing a wreath and a Maltese cross and a scroll bearing the motto closes the reverse wreath.

Comment:
Wisps of almond-gold patina appear over satiny nickel-gray surfaces
USPatterns.com notes that 100 pieces were supposedly struck. The reverse die was first used to coin 1868-dated patterns

Provenance/Appearances:
From The Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I, Heritage Sept 2020 / Lot #10235

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