1942 Experimental Cent. Judd-2062, Pollock-Unlisted, RB 42-55 First Reverse. Rarity-7-. Compression Molded Phenolic Resin Impregnated Paper, Red. Plain Edge. Specimen. Unc Details--Environmental Damage (PCGS). 18.8 mm, 1.8 mm thick. 7.9 grains. <strong>Obv: </strong>Bust of Columbia faces right, the portrait borrowed from the Columbian 2 centavo coin. The periphery is inscribed LIBERTY / JUSTICE with the date 1942 below. <strong>Rev:</strong> A simple wreath surrounds the inscription UNITED / STATES / MINT, the wreath copied from the Baker-155 Washington medalet. Deep charcoal-copper patina overall with raised circular dots of cherry-red color. Examples of this experimental cent type were made by Monsanto Chemical Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, using dies prepared by the United States Mint. This particular piece was forwarded to the National Bureau of standards for texting, as evidence not only by the aforementioned appearance of the surfaces, but also test marks around the reverse border and the addition of "G-3" in the field above the word UNITED. Rare, and of equal significance to pattern enthusiasts as well as advanced collectors of the United States Mints World war II era coinage. From the Bob Heisley Collection. Purchased privately from Jeff Kierstead Rare Coins, late 1990s. The plate coin for the RB 42-55 attribution in Roger W. Burdettes reference on pattern and experimental pieces of World War II.
