NNP

1854 E1C One Cent, Judd-157, Pollock-185, High R.7, PR64 NGC. Design. 61% Cu 27% Ni 11%Zn (3.3 g). The obverse is derived from a Seated dollar obverse die, but crudely reduced by a portrait lathe to the diameter of a contemporary half cent. The 4 in the date resembles a 1 because of the blurry reduction. On the reverse, 1 CENT is encircled by an oak and acorn wreath. Struck with a reeded edge in a German silver alloy with the combination stated above (and printed on the NGC label). Commentary. This design was struck in many different metallurgical compositions, with this piece closely, but not absolutely, matching the second German silver composition listed on USPatterns.com. Examples with this composition seem to be quite rare, as it was not discovered until Jay Parrino published it in the April 1998 edition of Coin World. According to Andrew Pollock, Mint officials did not actually intend to use this design for coinage; the issue was prepared in order to demonstrate the size of the desired coin and the qualities of German silver as a coinage metal. Physical Description. All examples seen show some circular striations on the obverse, as a result of the crude reduction process. The obverse design elements, particularly the pole and date, are always quite weak. This example is much sharper on the reverse, although a touch of softness is evident on the ribbon bow. The surfaces are blanketed in delicate shades of pale green and lavender-blue toning and display considerable reflectivity on both sides. An attractive example of this unusual pattern issue. Census: 2 in 64, 0 finer (3/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 3916, realized $5287.50. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.