Owner Comments:
1853 E1C One Cent
Judd-151, Pollock-178
Rarity: Low R.6, PR62 CAC Endorsed
Struck in Copper Nickel ( believed 40% Nickel / 60% copper) with Reeded Edge
Obverse: Liberty Head with 13 stars - same as regular issue 1853 Quarter Eagle
Reverse: The denomination of "One Cent" within a laurel wreath.
Comment:
This pattern issue combines the obverse of 1853 quarter eagles with a new reverse inscribed ONE CENT. Composition was copper-nickel alloy similar to the “German silver” alloy used by Lewis Feuchtwanger for his private cent patterns of 1837. This alloy combined copper, nickel, and zinc in various proportions.
Three such compositions were recorded:
40% copper, 40% nickel, 20% zinc;
30% nickel, 60% copper, 10% zinc; and
40% nickel, 60% copper.
Although each composition had its own inherent coloration, practical considerations suggest these cannot easily be distinguished by color alone. Specific gravity of these compositions do not provide the necessary distinction.
This piece is a lovely Pewter gray, with light striated toning visible on both sides. Some underlying reflectivity in the fields. A scratch is noted along Liberty's throat, but is not likely to be noticed without magnification.
Provenance/Appearances:
Purchased from Park Avenue Mar 2015; From the 1853 Collection. Stacks and Bowers Oct 2014 Winter Baltimore Sale/ Lot #1058, Prior Purchased privately from South Miami Rare Coins, Feb 1991.