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| 1855 MB 5 Centimos Pattern |
PERU - DECIMAL
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5C 1855 MB SILVER PATTERN PHILADELPHIA MINT
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PCGS PF 64
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View Coin
| 1855 MB 10 Centimos Pattern |
PERU - DECIMAL
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10C 1855 MB SILVER PATTERN PHILADELPHIA MINT
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PCGS PF 63
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The 1855 10 Centimos is exceedingly rare and of extreme numismatic importance. It was struck at the United States mint along with other denominations as a preparatory step towards a new decimal coinage. It features the same design as the then current "Pesos of Castilla". These were struck at the US mint in Philadelphia, likely engraved by James Longacre, the engraver famous for the Indian Head Cent and many other classic US coins designs. The 1855 patterns are considered the first coins struck by a US mint for a foreign government.
The mintage of the 1855 pattern proofs is a matter of some speculation. Certainly more copper Centimos and 1/2 Centimos were minted than the silver denominations. No more than 5 or 6 10 Centimos were likely prepared.
It is curious that the punches used in the lettering were so primitive compared to normal US mint letter punches. They match the punches used on the 1855 "Morgan and Orr" Peru medal; Morgan and Orr being the suppliers of the mint's machinery, also located in Philadelphia. Though there is correspondence showing that the US mint agreed to strike these coins for Peru, I posit that there is a possibility that Morgan and Orr struck the coins themselves, given the letter punches on the medal and coins match, though I have no other proof. More research is needed.
I have not seen any records of a 10 Centimos at auction (nor 1/2 Centimo). My specimen is the only example I have seen offered by a dealer. It is the second finest, with only one other graded: an NGC Proof 64 that is part of a set. A third example is locked in the American Numismatic Society collection; their only 1855 pattern of any denomination. A fourth is likely in the Smithsonian collection, though I do not have confirmation of this. As speculation, a fifth may be in a museum in Peru. The chances of seeing this coin offered in even a twenty year period is low.
PCGS calls these "Special Presentation" strikings, while NGC assigns them "Proof" designation. I think the later is likely more accurate. This SP 63 example has minimal contact, with light die lights. Golden-yellow toning appears across both sides when held towards the light. Far and away the most historically important and rare coin in my set.
Photographs copyright PCGS.
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| 1855 MB 20 Centimos Pattern |
PERU - DECIMAL
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20C 1855 MB SILVER PATTERN PHILADELPHIA MINT
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PCGS PF 64
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