J-151d pattern 1 cent - "Billon"
AndyK
Posts: 68 ✭✭✭
I was fortunate to just acquire a J151d pattern cent from 1853. To my knowledge there are only 6 know examples of this coin.
From my limited research, there is clearly some silver content in this coin and the only reference I've seen with the actual metallurgical content is in Rick Snow's book stating 10% silver and 90% copper. Since I'm kind of a geek about the history of such things, I couldn't help but get a test on the actual metallurgical content - so the test results are in the image above. I know these metal content testers aren't perfect but the results I still found quite fascinating.
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Comments
Nice Billon 1 cent. Coinfacts doesn't list the weight and diameter, do you know this info? Would be curious to know.
Thanks for sharing and congrats on a great pickup.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
billon is a mixture of silver and copper, it is a term used in the description of ancient coins. so the silver content is not a surprize.
finding the weight of it would be interesting since the silver value could be calculated
I found a bit more detail here: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/630472
I'd like to get the exact weight and diameter too, I'll post an update if I can get that info.
Read it as "billion" at first 😆
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
Interesting billon piece. Thanks for sharing.
Something else I find very cool about your specimen is that the planchet appears to have had a very small clip (5:00-ish on the facing image and more obvious at 1:00-ish on the reverse). The Blakesley effect seem obvious.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
@pursuitofliberty - nice catch - you are correct, it does have a planchet clip.
Great piece....Glad to see someone here bought it! Legend put up a number of great 1c patterns over the last few weeks. I have two of them that should be delivered today!
Numismatics would be so much more interesting if they actually made all of these different patterns for circulation.
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
While not in circulation.....I did find one in the wild (unattributed) a few years ago at a coin shop! 1863 J-300 Indian Cent with a reeded edge! Graded PR65! There are a few good ones floating around still, but unfortunately not in pocket change!