Owner Comments:
1884 1C 'Holey' One Cent
Judd-1721, Pollock-1929
Rarity: R.5, PR64
Ex Lumus
Struck in nickel with a plain edge.
Obverse: The Eastman Johnson "holey cent" design. The planchet is holed at the center. The obverse has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above and the date below, with no other design or ornament.
Reverse: Shows ONE CENT above with an inverted shield and wheat stalks below, within which the fields are open.
Comment:
The silver-gray surfaces demonstrate a modicum of field-device contrast, more so on the reverse than on the obverse. Some planchet irregularity in the form of light "waves" appears, possibly caused by the uneven pressure from striking caused by the center hole.
Both one cent and five cent patterns of this year feature the unusual Eastman Johnson "holey" design, apparently spurred by comments that the artist made in 1870, according to the Pollock reference. Some three to four dozen examples likely exist today.
Provenance/ Appearances:
Private Sale Dec 2014, From The Lemus Collection, Queller Family Collection Part Two, Heritage Jan 2009 FUN - Orlando, Fl / Lot 1953 and prior Stack's & Bowers Sept. 1985, The September Sale: United States Gold, Silver & Copper Coins /Lot 52 ($852)
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Eastman Johnson Holey Patterns of 1884
