ATG - Pattern & Experimental Pieces
Judd-193

Owner Comments:

The obverse features the same design that the Mint used to strike regular issue 1858 Flying Eagle cents of the Small Letters hub variety. On the reverse, an oak wreath surrounds the denomination ONE CENT with a broad ornamental shield at the top. An olive sprig and bundle of three arrows are bound at the base of the wreath. Struck in copper-nickel with a plain edge. Faint striations (as made) in the reverse field and a complete ribbon where it joins the branch of the olive stem confirm that this is a Snow Die Stage A example. According to researcher/author Rick Snow in the 2001 book "The Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution Guide", 2nd Edition, Volume I: 1856-1858, approximately 50 examples of Judd-193/Pollock-236 were struck in Die Stages A and B to constitute the first striking period for the type. Examples were distributed to contemporary collectors as part of 12-piece proof sets of pattern cents. A particularly flashy survivor, the reverse field is especially well mirrored around both the denomination ONE CENT and the wreath. Overall smooth, tan-rose surfaces reveal just a few stray carbon flecks to the obverse. The quality and appeal of this piece is superior to that typically seen in surviving examples of the Judd-193 type.