1864 Experimental Indian Cent. Judd-356a, Pollock-427, Snow-PT1e. Rarity-6-. Copper. Plain Edge. Proof-64 BN (NGC). 100% copper. The design is the same that the Mint used for regular issue 1864 Indian cents of the No L type. Struck from nearly medallic alignment of the dies on a planchet similar in thickness to those used for regular issue copper-nickel Indian cents of the era. Iridescent cobalt blue and reddish-apricot enliven a base of warmer tan-rose patina on both sides of this fully struck, semi-reflective specimen. According to Rick Snow (2014), these pieces were produced at the request of Treasury Secretary William P. Fessenden and scientists at the National Academy of Science as part of tests with various alloys of aluminum and copper. The author further states that these alloys were not necessarily being proposed for regular issue cent coinage, the use of the Indian dies being purely a matter of convenience for the Mint. The <em>uspatterns.com</em> website states that at least a dozen specimens of Judd-356a are known, and this is one of the more vividly toned specimens that we have offered in recent years. From our (American Numismatic Rarities) Red Bank Collection sale, December 2003, lot 267. From our (American Numismatic Rarities) Red Bank Collection sale, December 2003, lot 267.
