1836 Two-Cent

HBCC#:

6002

Breen#:

n/a

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

52

Pollock#:

55

Although first proposed as a denomination in 1806, the two-cent denomination was not actively suggested until 1836, when it was included as Article 10 in a bill that would become the Coinage Act of January 18, 1837. Although this specific Article was dropped before passage of the bill, patterns were produced to illustrate the size and composition. Examples were struck in billon, a composition of 90% copper and 10% silver, also in pure copper and in white metal. It was struck as Christian Gobrecht began full-time activities at the Mint, with the dies most likely engraved by this artist.

Provenance:

Purchased from Julian Leidman, July 28, 1972.

Obverse:

An eagle with wings spread, perched on a cloud, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around, the date below. The general concept is somewhat similar to that used on the reverse of certain silver coins circa 1795-7.

Reverse:

The denomination, TWO CENTS, within an open wreath of laurel.

Commentary: