1863 Pattern Indian Cent. Judd-304, Pollock-367, Snow-PT3c. Rarity-8. Aluminum. Plain Edge. Proof-64 (PCGS). OGH.Obv: The L on Ribbon design that the Mint adopted for regular issue Indian cent production in 1864. Rev: The same design that the Mint used to produce regular issue 1863 Indian cents. Splendid silver white surfaces are fully impressed with modest contrast between satiny devices and reflective fields. Smooth, inviting and nearly in the full Gem category. This is a highly elusive type with only three aluminum strikings known, per Rick Snow (2014). Both Snow and the website uspatterns.com state that Judd-304 is a fantasy piece struck later than the date on the coins, expressly for distribution to contemporary collectors. The reverse is the same as that the Mint used to coin regular issue Proof Indian cents from 1868 through early 1870 (Snows Reverse 1868A). Given that aluminum was not affordable enough to be appropriate for coinage purposes until 1868, and given that this reverse die was current at that time, Snow provides a striking period for these coins from 1868 to 1869. (The uspatterns.com website provides a slightly different date range of 1869 to 1871). This was during Henry R. Lindermans first term as Mint director, an era that saw the creation of many back-dated patterns, restrikes, novodels, off-metal strikings and other oddities that now rank among the rarest U.S. coins. Indeed, the Mint also produced copper-nickel (Judd-302), bronze (Judd-301) and oroide (Judd-303) examples from this die combination. Here is an important opportunity that will appeal to both advanced Indian cent enthusiasts and specialists in pattern and related coinage.Ex our (Bowers and Merenas) Russell B. Patterson Collection sale, March 1985, lot 2658; Art Kagin; Dr. Stanley Spurgeon.
