1896 One Cent

HBCC#:

6171

Breen#:

n/a

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

1767a

Pollock#:

1981

From 1886 through 1895, very few patterns were issued, and those that were produced are virtually non-collectible. The 1891 pattern coinage is an example, with a total of 12 known examples from seven different design combinations. Every known pattern is in the Smithsonian Institution. These 1896 pattern minor coinage issues, both one-cent and five-cents denominations, were experimental issues to consider different alloys. This example is pure nickel and is magnetic. Other examples are known in nickel alloy, copper, brass and aluminum. The pure nickel planchets for this issue were imported from Austria.

Provenance:

From RARCOA's sale of April 1975, Lot 391.

Obverse:

United States shield with banner across inscribed LIBERTY, two crossed poles behind surmounted by pileus on left and spread eagle on right.

Reverse:

1 CENT in olive wreath surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Commentary:

"Magnetic - pure nickel."