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1 Cent '1853' Pattern, nickel-brass
| Issuer | United States Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1853 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central field bears the two-line denomination ONE CENT in bold Roman lettering, enclosed within a wreath of laurel branches tied at the base with a ribbon bow. The wreath is rendered in fine relief with individually detailed leaves and small berries at intervals. The surrounding field is plain and open, framed by a beaded border at the rim. No additional legend appears on the reverse, giving the design a clean and uncluttered appearance consistent with the experimental nature of this pattern issue. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
By 1853, the Mint was actively searching for a replacement to the unwieldy large copper cent, which had been struck at roughly 10.9 grams since 1793. Experimental alloys were tested across dozens of pattern strikes that year, with nickel-bearing compositions attracting particular interest from Director James Ross Snowden's predecessors — nickel's hardness promised better wear resistance and a coin light enough for practical commerce. Judd-149 and Judd-150 differ in their edge treatment, a small but catalogically significant distinction that reflects the Mint's uncertainty about which specification to submit for congressional approval.
The actual solution — a flying eagle cent in 88% copper, 12% nickel — didn't reach circulation until 1857.