1854 Pattern Braided Hair Cent. Judd-160, Pollock-187. Rarity-4. Copper. Plain Edge. Proof-65 BN (NGC). 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. This handsome Gem specimen exhibits warm autumn-brown patina to smooth, satiny surfaces. Sharply struck overall with 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 Judd-160 were made in quantity, probably for distribution to congressmen and others of influence. An estimated 75 to 200 specimen are extant, but few grade finer than Proof-64 BN. PCGS# 11659. NGC ID: 29A5.
