1863 Ten Cents

HBCC#:

6049

Breen#:

n/a

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

325

Pollock#:

390

This experimental issue was produced with the thought of providing coinage to replace small denomination paper currency then in circulation. These thin silver pieces had the same surface area as a current dime of the period, with a substantially reduced thickness. The purpose was to create a coin that would not be subject to widespread hoarding. Two weight standards were prepared by the Mint, 20 grains and 22 grains. This Bass Collection coin is an example of the latter. An earlier die state of this obverse was later used with a reverse bearing the date 1868.

Provenance:

From Stack's sale of a portion of the Massachusetts Historical Society Collection, March 1973, Lot 324.

Obverse:

Shield at center, crossed arrows behind, inverted laurel wreath suspended from ring above shield, EXCHANGED FOR U.S. NOTES around periphery.

Reverse:

POSTAGE CURRENCY ACT JULY 1862 around, 10 CENTS 1863 on three lines at the center.

Commentary: