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1863 10C J-329
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Sold on Jan 7, 2000 for:
$805.00
Bid Source: Internet bidder
Description
1863 Postage Currency Pattern, Judd-329
1863 Ten Cents, Judd-329, Pollock-399, R.6, MS 60 Corroded. 20.8 grains. A SEM-EDX analysis (#349950) was performed, indicating the coin is 98.7% tin and 1.3% lead. The obverse depicts an ornamental shield with an inverted laurel wreath suspended from a ring. A pair of crossed arrows is behind the shield. The inscription reads EXCHANGED FOR U.S. NOTES. The reverse has 10 CENTS 1863 in the center with * POSTAGE CURRENCY * ACT JULY 1862 around the margin. Struck with a plain edge.Here is an example of a coin that doesn't quite fit the metallurgical descriptions of either Judd or Pollock. Not enough research on low grade tin coins has indicated if the use of a small amount of lead in an otherwise tin coin was the rule or the exception.
James B. Longacre designed this coin in May, 1863. On May 27 records indicate a combined total of 39 plain edge pieces were struck in either block (pure) tin and/or a tin alloy of supposedly 97% tin and 3% copper. Whereas several tin coins have tested pure, only one coin has tested tin with copper. This coin is probably the unique 28.2 grain Garrett coin that contained 98% tin, 1% copper, and 1% lead. The tin coins were struck at 21 grains and 27 grains. DuBois wrote that the (intrinsic) value of a 21 grain ten cent coin was 1/5th of a cent while the 27 grain counterpart had a value of 1/6th of a cent. The tin coins were the Mint's least valuable coin to produce. One could easily bend one of these coins with the slightest pressure. Tin Postage Currency coins are very scarce in high grades and not common in lower grades. This is because tin, a base metal, corrodes. Silver, a precious metal, may tarnish or tone over time, while base metal coins may corrode. Corrosion on a coin's surface always results in the actual loss of metal; whereas tarnish or toning on a precious metal coin does not.
Mr. Wolfe purchased this coin through Goliad in 1973. Another example of Judd-329 may be found in both the Byron Reed Collection at the Western Heritage Museum.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 29FC, PCGS# 60488, GSID# 12523)
View all of [The Gene Wolfe Collection of U.S. Pattern Postage Currency Coins ]
Auction Info
2000 F.U.N. Signature Sale #218 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
January, 2000
5th-7th
Wednesday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 709
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