1 Cent '1853' Pattern, nickel-brass

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.