NNP

1863 2C Two Cents, Judd-305, Pollock-370, R.4, PR64+ Brown NGC. CAC. Design. The obverse exhibits a portrait of Washington facing right, with GOD AND OUR COUNTRY around and the date and two stars below. On the reverse the denomination 2 CENTS is centered in a wheat wreath with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around. The word CENTS is curved dramatically. Struck in copper with a plain edge. Commentary. According to an entry in George Eckfeldt's journal, these patterns were struck in late 1863 (journal courtesy of Alan Meghrig and USPatterns.com), establishing Judd-305 as the first U.S. pattern to feature an image of the first president. This design was also struck in copper-nickel, aluminum, and possibly oroide. Physical Description. The strongly impressed design elements exhibit razor-sharp definition throughout, and the well-preserved surfaces show no mentionable distractions. The medium brown and blue-steel surfaces display many areas of original red color, and some elements of prooflike reflectivity shine through the toning. A few minor carbon spots are evident, near star 1 on the obverse and near U in UNITED on the reverse. Census: 11 in 64 (1 in 64+) Brown, 6 finer (3/13). From The Eric P. Newman Collection.

From Newman I (Heritage Auctions, 4/2013), lot 3935, realized $4112.50. Image and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, https://ha.com.