Owner Comments:
1896 5C Five Cents
Judd-1772, Pollock-1989
Rarity: High R.6, PR63 CAC Endorsed (New holder since)
Struck in aluminum with a plain edge.
Obverse:
A shield with 13 strips and the motto E PLURIUS UNIM above and date below. 2 crossed poles are behind the shield This 1896 pattern design features a large shield in the center of the obverse with crossed poles behind a Liberty Cap on one and Eagle on the other, A large ribbon across the center of the shield with “LIBERTY” inscribed.
Reverse:
A large numeral 5 with CENTS in small letters below, surrounded by a curved olive sprig.
Comments:
One of several experiments during the year with different metallic compositions. By 1896, pure aluminum was becoming much less expensive due to improvements in separating it from its many alloys, and it was therefore given more serious consideration as a viable metal for small-denomination coinage.
Pollock lists four different alloys for this aluminum type sighing the June 30, 1897 Annual Mint Director report where they listed 4 different Aluminum compositions and weights.
100% Aluminum, 98.78% Aluminum, 96.94% Aluminum, 96.74% Aluminum
This piece devices are slightly frosted satiny mirror like fields with no rusting and only slight handling marks.
Provenance/ Appearance:
Great Collections Auction Sept 6, 2020 /Lot 880412; It is also possible the same as Superior’s 6/1/1993 113th Sale /Lot 1245
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Type Set Features
