Owner Comments:
1863 3 Cent
Judd-319, Pollock-384
Rarity: R.5, PR65 RB CAC Endorsed.
Struck in either bronze or copper with a plain edge.
Obverse: The obverse is similar to the Braided Hair large cent design that the Mint discontinued in 1857, only with the substitution of a markedly smaller date.
Reverse: The reverse displays 3 CENTS in the center surrounded by a laurel wreath with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA about the border.
Comment:
This is a razor-sharp Gem with red-brown patina that yields to emerald-green accents around the devices. Each side is very sharply struck with lovely orange mint color fading to light brown with iridescent highlights.
180 Deg Die Roataion
In 1863 Congress considered the expediency of authorizing one-cent, two-cent, and three-cent pieces in bronze. Accordingly, the Mint issued patterns of all three denominations. The bronze pattern three-cent pieces, were made approximately equal in diameter to the old obsolete large cents, last coined in 1857. It seems likely that the Mint used the old large cent obverse motif to remind Congress of the unpopularity of large copper (or bronze) coins with the American public. In the end Congress authorized the production of bronze cents and two-cent pieces only. Three-cent pieces, struck in nickel alloy, were authorized in 1865
USPattern.com quoted a notation from George Eckfeldt's journal.
"Struck a few 3 cent pieces of copper & zinc; the size, thickness and diameter about that of the 1857 copper cent. About the middle of 1863."
Provenance/Appearances:
Great Collection 3/26/2020; Prior in 3 consecutive years (92,93,94) - Bower’s and Merena 11/12/92 The Robert W. Miller, Sr. Collection /Lot 1058 ($3300); Bowers and Merena 3/20/1993 The Edmonton Sale /Lot# 1511 ($2420); Bowers and Merena Sept 14, 1994, The Magnificent Collections of Richard and Jean Salisbury and Ted K. Woods /Lot# 927.
Heritage Aug 2004 Pittsburgh / Lot #7901 as (NGC PF65RB Restrike)