Pattern and Experimental Coins

1859 Pattern Indian Cent. Judd-228, Pollock-272. Rarity-1. Copper-Nickel. Plain Edge. MS-66 (PCGS).

Obv: The regular issue design of 1859 with pointed bust. Rev: The Oak Wreath with Shield design adopted for regular issue Indian cent production in 1860. Blended shades of golden-bronze adorn each side of this superior Gem, accented by tremendous prooflike reflectivity in the fields. This is a popular transitional issue, circulation strike survivors of which are almost exclusively in Mint State, as here. This fact suggests that these coins were distributed to collectors, possibly in trade for items to grow the Mint Cabinet collection. This example is among the finest survivors known, ranking at the very top of the PCGS Population Report with none finer.

PCGS# 11932. NGC ID: 29C8.

PCGS Population: 16; none finer.

Ex Bowers and Ruddy Galleries, privately circa 1980.

Estimate: $ 3000