1854 Pattern Braided Hair Cent. Judd-160, Pollock-187, Snow-PT2. Rarity-4.

1854 Pattern Braided Hair Cent. Judd-160, Pollock-187, Snow-PT2. Rarity-4. Copper. Plain Edge. Proof-66 BN (PCGS). CAC. Obv: The usual head of Liberty facing left from the contemporary large cent design, with the date below. No other design elements are present, so the effect is a pleasing cameo. The diameter is slightly smaller than the contemporary regular issue large cent. Rev: An exact copy of the current large cent, however the design elements are not only smaller for the reduced size of the coin, but the size of the lettering and wreath are also smaller, producing a more elegant ensemble. Thus the wreath is compact and the letters are more finely executed. Late reverse die state with clash marks from Liberty's ear in the central field, between the words ONE and CENT. This handsome Gem specimen exhibits rich olive-brown patina to the obverse, the reverse with streaks of olive-brown to a base of medium orange color. Both sides are sharply struck overall with a pleasing glossy texture and strong eye appeal. An attractive example of one of two major types of distinctive motifs created in 1854 for pattern cents (the other is the Flying Eagle motif). Examples of the present type were made in quantity; Rick Snow (2026) states "About 100 struck", a figure that appears to include both copper and bronze impressions. These were probably produced for distribution to congressmen and others of influence. An estimated 30 specimens are extant for Judd-160 in copper, few of which grade finer than Proof-64 BN. Provenance: Ex our (Stack's) ANA Sale of August 1971, lot 266; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; Heritage's sale of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part IV, August 2023 Pittsburgh Signature Auction, lot 9086. PCGS Population: 1; 0 finer in this category. CAC Stickered Population: 5; 0. PCGS# 11659. NGC ID: 29A5. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

Estimate:£0.75

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