Owner Comments:
1885 1C Eastman Johnson Design
Judd-1740, Pollock-1950
Rarity: High R.6, PR65
Ex: Simpson
Struck in silver with a plain edge.
Obverse: An annular (ring-shaped) pattern cent with a central perforation. The obverse has UNITED STATES OF AMERICA above with the date 1885/3 at the bottom of that side.
Reverse: ONE CENT is in large letters at the top with a small shield that is flanked by laurel sprigs below.
Comment:
Rick Snow reports about 10 pieces known, two of which are slightly worn. Delicately toned in reddish-gold and cobalt-blue patina, this Gem retains considerable mint brilliance. The underlying fields flash appreciably.
The digit 5 is over a 3, one of the few overdates among pattern coinage. The overdate feature is especially prominent, with a flat-top digit 3 below the final 5, giving a flat appearance to the normally curved top of the 5. This may suggest that dies for Johnson’s proposal were prepared in 1883.
Numerous die lines are visible on the obverse. The reverse has a crack from the outer border to the inner border, through the right side of N in ONE and seen other pieces
Wt. 54.35 grains.
Provenance/ Appearances:
From The Bob Simpson Collection Heritage Jan 2021 FUN Signature Auction / Lot #3272, Priors
- Stacks Oct 2003 ( 68th Anniversary Sale - Rothchild Collection) / Lot #1023;
- New Netherlands Jun 1970 61st sale (Jesse Taylor Estate) - REMARKABLE U. S. PATTERNS AND RELATED COINS From the Estate of Jesse M. Taylor, Buffalo, New York
- From Barney Bluestone’s 92nd auction, April 26, 1946, / Lot #1263. Plate ($250.00