Owner Comments:
(1851) ONE TENTH
Judd-127 Original, Pollock-149,
Rarity: Low R.6; MS64
Struck in billon (10% silver, 90% copper) with a plain edge.
Obverse: Features CENT at the top and ONE TENTH SILVER at the bottom, Struck in 1851 these pieces are dateless
Reverse: Reverse depicts a laurel wreath and the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Comment
Part of an effort to reduce the diameter of the cumbersome large cent but these were most likely struck just to test the materials as perforations was abandon in the prior year. This piece is center perforated, unlike restrikes.
The surfaces are hazy gray and there is a planchet lamination across much of the obverse. Sharply defined and otherwise well struck. Billion must be difficult to classify as Proof but no articles indicated a "Business Strike" for the J-127 even though PCGS has slabbed a couple J-127's as MS vs a proof designation
Provenance/ Appearances:
Heritage Aug 2017 ANA Auction - Denver / Lot #5393