Cool 1868 Proof Pattern 5c OGH CAC New Pickup
Excited to share my third pattern acquisition, this 1868 5c Judd-633. It's not a coin I was seeking, but I'm always looking out for patterns and it popped up at a reasonable price (v. reasonable for a pattern, IMO) and I just couldn't resist the classic Gen 3.0 OGH + CAC combo. I appreciate @FlyingAl taking these excellent images.
I like this pattern because it incorporates the 3CN obverse (in this case, with a star on the coronet) with a wreathed "V" reverse that's reminiscent of the Liberty Head nickel reverse adopted in 1883. J-633 is fairly common—as far as patterns go—with a pop of 77 reported by Judd, an R-4. CAC has stickered 20 examples, 5 in PR63 and 15 higher.
This coin was released in sets containing a cent and three-cent of similar design. It is estimated that 100 sets were struck in nickel, with various coin combinations as there were a few slightly different obverses and reverses struck. According to uspatterns.com, there is one surviving set in its original presentation case, pictured below:
Interestingly, J-633 has both a "low date" and "high date" variety, as shown in this uspatterns.com link. I'm unsure if the TPGs ever designate this, and it appears my example if the low date variety. This example is struck in nickel, but there is also a version struck in copper, J-634, which is much rarer with an estimated population of just 3 examples.
The coin appears to be fairly graded at PR63, given some surface abrasions and a bit of haze with a lightly toned print remnant on the reverse. Reflectivity is very strong on the obverse, & a bit weaker on reverse. PCGS did not designate cameo in this era, but it would almost certainly earn at least a CAM designation today if resubmitted (see below).
(these harshly lit photos are mine)
If you've never considered a pattern before, it is a very interesting area of numismatics. The FUN show will have dozens on display among the large number of booths, I highly recommend checking some out in-hand, even if just looking.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Comments
Very cool!
Careful: THEY ARE VERY ADDICTING!!
Wondercoin
PCGS-PR66RD (Simpson-Wondercoin)
Very nice! I had one of these in 63CAM CAC and yours appears to be nicer. I agree that Cam seems like a slam dunk.
I've had my eye out for a pattern or two and know how tough they can be to find, particularly in appealing condition. Congrats on the pick up!
Very nice example!
Nice pick up, I have a high date variety (Pollock -705) and as you noted it is the more common find.
I did assemble my own 3 piece denomination set that consists of a 1C (J608), 3 C (J618 ), and the 5c (J633)
I recall asking PCGS years ago if they would consider using a Pollock number along with the Judd # to help identify pattern varieties and they they said no. There are many recognized by Pollock and some of these make the pieces themselves rarer.
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
I wake up with a Good Attitude Every Day. Then … Idiots Happen!
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Yes they are.
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
I wake up with a Good Attitude Every Day. Then … Idiots Happen!
@retirednow That’s a neat little trio you assembled, thanks for sharing them.
@lermish I was looking at the one you owned earlier. Was it your VaultBox? The bright red holder freaks me out a bit.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Indeed it was. The holder is bad but the coin was pretty decent. What's the saying again...gamble on the coin, not the holder?😂