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Somerville Set - 1 and 2 cent Patterns & Related

Category:  Pattern Coins
Owner:  RichH
Last Modified:  12/1/2012
Set Description
A collection of Patterns relating to the introduction of the "small cent" and two cent piece. The set will include Patterns of Indian Cents, Flying Eagles , Two Cent pieces plus the Feuchtwanger 1837 trial piece. The collection of these patterns is based upon my interest in Indian Cents, Flying Eagle cents and 2 cent pieces.
Key reference books include Andrew Pollock's 1994 "United States Patterns and Related Issues" and Rick Snow's 1992 "Flying Eagle and Indian Cents"
In addition to the information I have provided to the set's individual coin details, viewers are invited to view my postings: Reference "RichH" or the "Somerville Set" for three articles on pattern cents included in this set. The first article was posted 3/38/12 "Got Feuchtwanger'd in Baltimore" describes the history behind the 1837 1 cent token with a great closeup of the obverse. This coin might be my favorite NGC coin, exhibiting great strike and fields. Article 2 was posted 8/15 /12 "New Pattern added to Collection" and describes the 1858 J-204 pattern. The third article was posted 10/5/12 "Historically Significant 2 cent piece" details the J-312 pattern.
ENJOY !!!

Set Goals
1837 1C Feuchtwanger Trial, 1855 Large Flying Eagle, 1856 No inscription or date Small Flying Eagle, 1858 Flying Eagle with Ornamental Shield, 1858 "Small" Flying Eagle example,1858 Indian Cent, and the1863 2 cent copper "GOD OUR TRUST" . This list is subject to adjustment and will evolve as opportunities avail themselves. For example I am beginning a set in 3 cents silvers, significant patterns may be added from this collecting area in the future.

Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin 1837 1C Feuchtwanger Token United States 1C 1837 NEW YORK HT-268(6I) FEUCHTWANGERS COMPOSITION FEUCHTWANGER COMPOSITION NGC MS 63 Obverse design of aggressive eagle with snake captured by claws, Reverse design of ONE CENT in middle surrounded by wreath leaves with "FEUCHTWANGER'S COMPOSITION" around rim.

Coin description: Lovely surfaces on well stuck Feuchwanger token.

Background: In 1837 Dr Feuctwanger petitioned Congress for the use of his alloy on minor coinage. Known as German silver the metal consisted of nickel, copper and some zinc.The good Doctor struck tokens in 1 and 3 cent versions. The Mint rejected his proposal on the grounds it could not be uniformly produced to meet demand. It is amazing that this small cent trial was rejected by Congress 19 years before the introduction of Longacre's small cent 1856 Flying Eagle. As a footnote, after repeated lobbying Feuctwanger gave up his attempt to have the coin authorized, and finally mass produced his tokens and passed them to the public for a profit.
View Coin 1855 J-168 United States 1C 1855 J-168 NGC PF 62 Brown Obverse design : Large Eagle in flight, with 13 stars. Reverse design: Thick wreath

Coin description: Even brown glossy surfaces. Purchased from Heritage Sale , Pittsburgh 2004 August ANA.

Rarity: R4 (76 to 200 extant) Cross Reference: Pollack 193.

Coin notes: This pattern is a slightly downsized version of the Large Cents that were in production at the time. Various alloy compostions were tried including copper and bronze.
View Coin 1858 J-204 United States 1C 1858 J-204 PCGS PF 63 Obverse design: Small Flying Eagle Reverse: Oak Wreath with Ornamental Shield

Coin description: Even, lustrous surfaces

Rarity 5 ( 31 - 75 extant) , cross reference Pollack 248,

Coin notes: Rick Snow described the small eagle as a " quail in the throes of death" in his Flying Eagle and Indian Cents masterpiece. The design was rejected due to striking issues with the "large eagle" obverse design ultimately accepted.
View Coin 1863 J-312 United States 2C 1863 J-312 PCGS PF 64 Red Brown Purchased from Goldberg Sept 2011 L Beach Auction R4 (76 to 200 extant), cross reference: Pollock 377, pop 20, 14 higher.

Historically significant pattern with "GOD OUR TRUST" on the obverse, this pattern is the predecessor to the regular issue 1864 2 cent piece, the 1st US coin with the "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto. With the anquish that the country was experiencing during the Civil War, the religous faith that inspired this pattern's motto is quite understandable.

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