1896 One Cent

HBCC#:

6172

Breen#:

n/a

BD#:

n/a

Judd#:

1768

Pollock#:

1983

This is an example of the experimental 1896 pattern coinage in copper or bronze. Reportedly, four different alloys of bronze were used including (I) 95% copper, 3% tin, 2% zinc, (II) 95% copper, 5% tin, (III) 95% copper, 4.6% tin, 0.4% phosphorus, and (IV) 93% copper, 6.5% tin, and 0.5% phosphorus. Apparently, the results of the testing proved that the current metals in use for minor coinage were perfectly satisfactory, since no change was made.

Provenance:

Purchased from Bowers and Ruddy Galleries on August 11, 1971.

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: