Electrotype/Cast Copy 1792 Birch Cent. Type of Judd-3, Pollock-4. Copper-Plated Lead. Plain Edge. Extremely Fine.280.87 grains. In 1792, many members of the House favored a representation of the Presidents head on the obverse of each coin, others considered the idea a monarchical practice. Washington is believed to have expressed disapproval of the use of his portrait on American coins. The majority considered a figure emblematic of Liberty more appropriate, and the Senate finally concurred in this opinion. Robert Birch was an engraver employed to design proposed devices for American coins. He, perhaps together with others, engraved the dies for the disme and half disme. He also cut the dies for the large copper patterns known today as "Birch cents." Many 1792 half dismes and dismes circulated, however, only about a dozen of the 1792 Birch cent patterns are now known.<p>This is NOT an original but a copy in copper-plated lead, type of Judd-3, Pollock-4 in the pattern references. Although displaying trivial rub from numismatic handling, good detailing remains throughout much of the design. Some of the underlying lead is visible, most notably at the central obverse high points and on the reverse above the letters ON in ONE and around the letter M in AMERICA. Otherwise we note warm autumn-brown color. Areas of roughness are as made, and they are more pronounced on the reverse. A rare, unusual opportunity to acquire an early copy of this exceedingly rare pattern. A personal examination is recommended.
