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2 and 3 Cent US Patterns

Category:  Pattern Coins
Owner:  mania
Last Modified:  9/13/2023
Set Description

2 and 3 Cent Pattern Pieces

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Mania's US Patterns- WHAT U.S. COINAGE COULD HAVE BEEN

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Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin J-54 United States 2C 1836 J-54 PCGS PF 64 Red Brown
1836 2C
Judd-54, Pollock-57,
Rarity:Low R.6
PR64+ RB CAC Endorsed
Ex: Simpson/Pittman.


Struck in copper with Plain edge

Obverse: Features a standing eagle facing right and perched on a cloud, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and date 1836 separated by two dots. The obverse die shows the A in STATES corrected from an E underneath.
Reverse: Shows the denomination "TWO / CENTS" in arcs surrounded by an olive wreath.

Comment:
59.2 grains
Fiery orange fields contrast nicely against brown devices and lettering. Several blatant engraving errors clearly show, including an E originally cut in place of the Ain STATES, and the 6 first erroneously punched in the 3’s position. Sharply struck with a high wire rim. There are some light hairlines in the fields as well as several spots.

A die break runs in three directions from the eagle's right wing: 1) through the left side of the A to the rim; 2) down through the cloud and the stop between the date and AMERICA to the rim; and 3) from the top of the eagle's wing into the field, past the eagle's beak toward the E in STATES. Struck with dies parallel to each other, i.e. rotated 180 degrees from the normal “coin turn” of U.S. coinage. All of these characteristics indicate that this is a Restrike minted more than 20 years after the date on the coin. An estimated 20-25 examples are known

Provenance / Appearance:
From The Bob Simpson Collection Pt 2, Heritage Nov 2020 Auction /Lot 3096, Priors
Heritage June 2005 Long Beach (From The Western Hill Collection) / Lot #7353 (as NGC65RB);
David Akers Oct 1997 The John Jay Pittman Collection: Part 1 / Lot # 770 ($3080) with Note Prior Purchased by John Pittman for 55$ as Lot 5 from Abe Kosoff’s 1958 ANA Convention sale
View Coin J-125 United States 3CS 1850 J-125 PCGS PF 63

1850 3 Cent Silver
Judd-125, Pollock-147.
Rarity: R.4
.

Struck in silver with a plain edge

Obverse: Exhibits a liberty cap surrounded by a glory of rays with the date 1850 below. The word LIBERTY is inscribed on the band of the cap.

Reverse: A coiled palm frond encircles a Roman numeral III with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border.

Comment: An attractive design that artist Franklin Peale borrowed from Christian Gobrecht’s 1836 gold dollar pattern. James Barton Longacre prepared designs for this denomination in 1850. The dies for this pattern issue were prepared by Franklin Peale and were ready early in 1851. Obviously, the Longacre designs were preferred, since they were chosen for the final issue prepared for circulation

This diminutive pattern is subtly reflective with golden-violet toning that gathers strength at the margins. The centers are softly brought up and retain some of the planchet's rough texture. The Pollock reference records significant variance in planchet weights. Its strike suggests the present piece was coined from lighter stock.

Provenance/Appearances:
From Stacks March 2011 Baltimore Auction /Lot #6002; Prior
- Golberg Feb 2009 Pre Long Beach Lot #1322,
- Heritage Oct 2006 Dallas Signature Auction / Lot #2361;
- Heritage Aug 2004 Pittsburgh Signature Sale/ Lot #7874





View Coin J-305 United States 2C 1863 J-305 Danali Collection PCGS PF 60 Brown
1863 2C
J-305, Pollock-370
Rarity: R4, PR60 CAC Endorsed

Ex: :DENALI Collection


Struck in Copper with Reeded Edge

These 2C patterns carried God and Our Country motto and the head of George Washington was the first formal striking of a federal issue coin with a president head. It was not until 1932 that George Washington bust made formally in production on a US .Coin.

Comment:
While this coin is only graded PR60, this is a marvelous looking strike with great eye appeal with an overall glow with hints of Olive green hues..
View Coin J-312 United States RED Brown 2C 1863 J-312 NGC PF 65 RB
1863 2C Two Cents,
Judd-312, Pollock-377
Rarity: R.4, PR65 RB


Struck in bronze with a plain edge.

Obverse: Dies are similar to those adopted for the business strike two cent piece in 1864, except that the motto reads GOD OUR TRUST

Reverse: Dies are similar to those adopted for the business strike two cent and the word CENTS is sharply curved on the reverse.

Comment:
This is a lovely Gem proof with smooth underling of original red color on both sides with a light brown toning on all accents yielding a Cameo effect under a light Several variations in the motto were on several patterns God Out Trust seemed to be the closest alternative to the In God We Trust chosen

Provenance/ Appearances:
Private Sale Houston Money Show Jan 2014; Prior Heritage April 2002 Columbus, OH (CSNS) Sale / Lot #7604 ($2000) and Heritage Oct 2002 Internet Auction / Lot #16185 ; Heritage Jan 2002 Internet Auction / Lot #11576 ( Both Passed)
.

View Coin J-319 United States 3C 1863 J-319 PCGS PF 65 Red Brown
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)
View Coin J-322 United States 3CS 1863 J-322 PCGS PF 62
1863 Three Cent Silver,
Judd-322, Pollock-387
Rarity High R.7, PR62 CAC Endorsed


Struck in Aluminum with plain edge

Obverse/Reverse: 3 Cent Silver dies of the year but stuck in aluminum

Comment:
Although described in the literature as "regular dies trial pieces," Judd-322 is a restrike from the early 1870s, and initially offered as part of complete off-metal sets with the silver coinage of this year containing quarter, half dollar, and dollar which had the reverses of 1866 with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST above the eagle.

Generally very pleasing with an icy look. A stone-gray example with well struck central motifs. The peripheral stars show occasional softness. The central reverse displays several hair-thin and granular horizontal lines as made at the mint.

Provenance/Appearances:
FROM THE SEATTLE COLLECTION, Legends March 2020 RCA #37 / Lot #117; Priors
From THE STEVEN COOK COLLECTION, PART 2. Legend's 7/26/2018 RCA / Lot #520;
Heritage Oct 2014 PNG New York Invitational - New York, NY /Lot 4173;
Stacks and Bowers Sept 1997 / Lot 1088 ($3300);
Superior Galleries 6/1985 The Robert O. Lawson Collection / Lot 260 ($475)
View Coin J-371 United States 2C 1864 J-371 PCGS PF 65
1864 2C
Judd-371, Pollock-440
Rarity: Low R.6, PR65

Ex: Benson


Struck in copper-nickel composition with a plain edge. (88 percent copper, 12 percent nickel) and the coin is slightly magnetic

Obverse/Reverse: Struck from the regular coinage dies with Large Motto.

Comment:
Splendid tan appearance with excellent eye appeal. Moderately reflective fields with sharp design features. Lighter gold in color than the French bronze alloy, with the devices especially frosty against the pristine mirror fields.
Both the obverse and the reverse are exceptional aside from a few minor reverse spots. Related off metal examples of this pattern were struck in nickel and aluminum composition.

Provenances/Appearances:
Private Sale Sept 2019; Prior
From The Antigo Collection, Heritage Aug 2006 Denver, CO / Lot #1437;
Heritage July 2004 New York, NY / Lot #7897;
Benson Collection, Part Three (Ira & Larry Goldberg, 2/03) / lot 1799, notation purchased from Ira S. Reed from his auction of April 27, 1945 as lot 453 for $12.50.
View Coin J-410 United States 3CN 1865 J-410 PCGS PF 66
1865 Three Cent Nickel in Nickel
Judd-410, Pollock-481,
Rarity: Low R.6, PR66 CAC Endorsed

Ex: Denali Collection.


Struck in copper with a plain edge.

Obverse: Similar in design to the issued three cent nickel except the date is centered higher

Reverse: Similar in design to the issued three cent nickel but the ribbon ends extend to the denticles, giving the reverse a crowded appearance.

Comment:
USPatterns.com states "about a dozen known," though twice that number may survive. This high grade representative is fully struck and provides pleasing reflectivity. Variegated chestnut-gold and pearl-gray toning further increases the eye appeal.

Provenance/Appearances:
From The Boulder City Collection. Heritage May 2022 The Boulder City Collection / Lot #44220;
Priors:
- Ex: Denali Collection; Baltimore Sale (Stack's Bowers, 6/2011) / Lot #9029;
- Pittsburgh Signature (Heritage, 10/2011) / Lot #4557;
- Rosemont Signature (Heritage, 8/2013) / Lot #4887.
View Coin J-411 United States 3CN 1865 J-411 PCGS PF 64 Brown
1865 3C Three Cent Nickel
Judd-411, Pollock-482
Rarity: High R.6, PR64 BN :


Struck in copper with a plain edge.

Obverse: :Similar in design to the issued three cent nickel

Reverse: :Similar in design to the issued three cent nickel but the ribbon ends extend to the denticles, giving the reverse a crowded appearance.

Comment: :
A razor-sharp example of this scarce Judd variety. Vibrant fire-red, sea-green, and orange toning emerges when the piece is rotated beneath a light. A hair-thin mark is noted on the cheek.

Provenance/Appearances:
Private Transaction Jan 2017; Prior Heritage Feb 2014 ANA National Money Show - Atlanta / Lot #5122

View Coin J-413 United States 3CN 1865 J-413 NGC PF 65 BN
1865 3C Three Cent Nickel
Judd-413, Pollock-484,
Rarity: Low R.6, PR65 Brown


Struck in copper with a plain edge.

Obverse/Reverse: The regular issue design for the three cent nickel, with normal sized ribbons.

Comment:
The date is boldly repunched as on regular issue proof examples. Faint die lines extend from the border through STA, also identical to the regular issue proofs. Although they were almost certainly struck for sale to collectors, these pieces were actually minted in 1865, based on the shared die with regular issue pieces. More than a dozen are known, mostly from the dies seen on the Newman example. A rare variant is known from a different obverse die that lacks the repunched date. A bold strike includes prominent rims on both sides of this lovely Gem proof. Rich olive-brown surfaces exhibit delicate turquoise overtones on both sides.

Provenance/Appearance:
"Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $15; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society- From The Eric P. Newman Collection, Heritage April 2013 CSNS - Chicago / Lot #3946
View Coin J-615 United States 3CN 1868 J-615 PCGS PF 65
1868 3C Three Cent Nickel
Judd-615, Pollock-680
Rarity: R.5, PR65


Struck in nickel with a plain edge

Obverse: Similar to the adopted 3CN design, but with smaller date and wider rim.

Reverse: Reverse has a large Roman numeral III (plain with no ribbing) in a agricultural wreath, similar to the $3 gold piece.

Comment:
Pleasing pewter-dove and clear gold patina over highly reflective surfaces. Sharply struck and very original, and devoid of contact. A lens locates infrequent tiny gray flecks.What a cool Pattern three cent nickel!

Provenance/ Appearance:
FROM THE SEATTLE COLLECTION Legends mar 2020 Auction # 37 / #130; Heritage Mar 2013 Dallas / Lot #4058; Heritage Nov 2012 Houston / Lot #4673 (passed)


View Coin J-616 United States 3CN 1868 J-616 PCGS PF 64 Red Brown
1868 3CN (In Copper)
Judd-616, Pollock-682, A.W.-689
Rarity: High R.6 (13- 20 Pieces) PR64RB


Struck In copper with plain edge

Obverse: The obverse is similar to the contemporary three cent nickel.
Reverse: While similar to the contemporary three cent nickel, the denomination is not ribbed and the obverse rim is unusually wide.

Comment:
USPatterns.com, Tom Delorey observed that the obverse design is a regular 17.9 mm three cent obverse set in a small cent 19.1 mm die blank, leaving a wide border around that side; while the reverse is sized as a normal small cent. Each side displays significant portions of bright mint red with blue-brown mellowed color elsewhere.

Provenance/Appearances:
Heritage June 2017 Long Beach Expo - Long Beach / Lot #4672
View Coin J-618 United States 3CN 1868 J-618 PCGS PF 64
1868 3CN Three Cent Nickel,
Judd-618, Pollock-687
Rarity: R.4, PR64

Ex Denali


Struck in with a plain edge

Obverse: Similar to the regular issue three cent nickel, but the devices are set in larger fields.

Reverse: Design is similar to the regular-issue three cent nickel, but with the wreath is farther from the rims and no ribs in the reverse columns.

Comment:

This example is essentially brilliant

Provenance/Appearance:
From Legends Numismatics
View Coin J-621 United States 3CN 1868 J-621 PCGS PF 64 Cameo
1868 3CN
Judd-621, Pollock-690
Rarity: Low R.7, PR64+ Cam CAC Endorsed.

Ex: Garrett-Simpson.


Struck in aluminum with a plain edge

Obverse/ Reverse. This piece used the dies of the regular three cent nickel design of the year..

Comment:
About a half dozen examples of Judd-621 are thought to exist. This piece lists the Garrett pedigree on the holder but the coin does not match the examples that Heritage offered in 2013. It may be the from the original aluminum set sold in 1997.

Both sides are Cameo-contrasted and all-brilliant with light die polish in the fields.

Provenance/ Appearance:
From Bob Simpson Collection Heritage Aug 2021 ANA WFOM US Coins Signature Auction / Lot #3097
priors:
R.A. Britton (H.G. Sampson, 2/1882), lot 956;
T. Harrison Garrett; Garrett Collection; Johns Hopkins University (Bowers and Ruddy, 11/1979), lot 396;
Superior 10/89 Heifetz sale,
Heritage 1/13 FUN, Simpson, set now broken up - Heritage 8/21 ANA
View Coin J-676 United States 3CN 1869 J-676 NGC PF 66 CAMEO
1869 3CN
Judd-676, Pollock-753, 755
Rarity: R.4, PR66+ Cameo

Ex: Eric P. Newman Collection


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.

Obverse: The design resembles the regular dies, with Liberty wearing a coronet on the obverse, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the date below.

Reverse: The reverse is known in two varieties; this coin represents the more common one, with a low laurel wreath surrounding the denomination III, and short dentils.

Comment: These patterns were issued in cents with similar design one cent and five cents patterns. This pleasing Premium Gem proof exhibits soft central details and natural planchet marks that remain from a less than full strike. The nickel-gray surfaces have fully mirrored fields and satiny devices

Provenance/Appearance:
Acquired at Heritage June 2017 Long Beach Sale / Lot #4676, Priors :
- Heritage Jan 2017 FUN Signature Auction - Fort Lauderdale / Lot #6496
- From The Eric P Neman Collection, Heritage April 2013 CSNA Signature Auction Chicago /Lot #3969 (as NGC PF66 with CAC Endorsement);
Original Newman envelope was labeled “LYNCHBURG VA”

View Coin J-799 United States 3CS 1870 J-799 PCGS PF 65 Red Brown
1870 3SC
Judd-799, Pollock-886
Rarity: Low R.7, PR65 RB CAC Endorsed


Struck in copper with reeded Edge

Obverse: In this design by Chief Engraver William Barber, Liberty is seated left with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border and the date 1870 below. Liberty supports a shield with her right hand and holds an olive branch in her left. A free standing liberty pole is behind the portrait, and a scroll inscribed LIBERTY crosses the shield.
Reverse: The same design that the Mint used to strike regular issue silver three-cent pieces.

Comment: Vivid hues of rose, blue, gold blend together over richly mirrored copper. The fields are ablaze with reflectivity that really makes the patination pop. Well struck and very nicely preserved, this coin has exceptional eye appeal - wonderfully original Gem.
There are fewer than a dozen examples of Judd-799 extant per the website uspatterns.com, the type originally distributed to contemporary collectors as part of pattern Proof sets.
Diameter: 0.609 inches. Die alignment: 170°

Provenance/Appearances:
From Legends Coin Auction Feb 2018 Premier sale /lot 157; Prior
- Stacks ANA Aug 2016 / Lot 2547;
- Superior's The Wes Rasmussen Collection Sale of Feb 1998 / lot 1952 ; and
- appears to match the Bowers and Merena, The Whitney P. Sunderland Collection sale Mar 1994 /Lot 1411;
- Superior June 1975 / Lot #795


View Coin J-1668 United States 3CN 1881 J-1668 PCGS PF 64
1881 3C Liberty Head Three Cents
Judd-1668, Pollock-1869
Rarity: High R.6, PR64
EX: Lemus


Struck in nickel with a plain edge.
Obverse: The Charles Barber Liberty Head obverse. Head facing left, similar to the adopted Liberty Head nickel design, but UNITED STATES OF AMERICA rings the obverse in thick, widely spaced letters, with date 1881 below.

Reverse: The denomination with the Roman numeral III located in the center of an agricultural wreath, (similar to the 1883 regular-issue nickel design).

Comment: The powder-gray surfaces offer bold eye appeal, a function equally of the absence of marks and bold strike that immediately suggest a conservative grade for this nice example. Slight shadowing in the field in front of the Bust serves as a diagnostics feature. ‘’Somewhat less than two dozen examples of this pattern issue are certified at NGC and PCGS combined, a few of them likely duplicates.

Provenance/ Appearance:
Acquired from dealer in the Houston show Jan 2018; Prior From The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Two , Heritage Jan 2009 Orlando FUN / Lot #1941 9 (NGC PF64 Holder); Heritage July 1994; The 1994 ANA Sale / Lot #7951 ($2800)

View Coin J-1669 United States 3CN 1881 J-1669 PCGS PF 64 Brown
1881 3C Liberty Head Three Cents
Judd-1669, Pollock-1870,
Rarity: High R.6, PR64 BN


Struck in copper with a plain edge.

Obverse: Three cent nickel pattern featuring the head on the obverse similar to that used on the adopted Liberty nickel of 1883.

Reverse: The reverse has a Roman numeral III in the center, surrounded by a wreath of cotton and corn.

Comment: The surfaces are evenly mellowed brown over each side. The striking details are full throughout, and there are no obvious marks.

Provenance/ Appearance:
Heritage Aug 2011 Chicago / Lot #5291

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