NNP

1854 E1C One Cent, Judd-159a, Pollock-186, R.7, PR63 Brown NGC. Design. The obverse of this small cent was created by a portrait lathe that used an 1854 dollar as a model. This method of reduction caused circular die lines resulting in many blurry or indistinct details, especially in the date. The reverse is a new die with a heavy, open wreath of oak leaves and acorns tied with a ribbon and bow at bottom, 1 CENT in the center. Many different alloys were recorded, but the Judd-159a, Pollock-186 is termed a copper electrotype. Plain edge. Commentary. According to Andrew Pollock, these pieces were Mint-made electrotypes, produced to have an authentic "ring." USPatterns.com estimates about a dozen specimens are still extant. Physical Description. This well-preserved Select specimen offers attractive light brown surfaces, with few signs of contact. Like all known examples, the design elements on the obverse lack complete detail, due to the crude method of reduction used to produce the design. Liberty's pole is almost completely effaced and the date is weak. The reverse devices are more sharply detailed. Luster is somewhat subdued, as expected of an electrotype, but the overall aspect is surprisingly pleasing. Census: 1 in 63 Brown, 0 finer (3/13). Provenance. "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $15; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society. From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 3917, realized $4112.50. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.