United States of America 1861 Philadelphia Patterns & Trial Coins $2.50

Coin / United States of America / $2.50 (Two and a Half Dollars) / Patterns & Trial Coins / 1861 / Philadelphia

The coin in question is a unique piece from the Patterns & Trial Coins series, produced in the United States of America by the Philadelphia Mint in 1861. This specific coin is a proof strike with a denomination of $2.50, reflecting the historical and artistic significance of its era. It is crafted from copper, a noteworthy material choice for coins of that time, and bears no mint mark, indicating it was produced without any specific designer attribution or unique identifying feature. Despite its high-value designation of $2.50, this coin holds additional significance due to its classification as a pattern coin, which signifies it was intended for potential circulation but was never minted for general public use, as evidenced by the reported mintage of zero. This lack of mintage underscores its rarity and collectible appeal. Though the physical specifications such as width, height, diameter, and weight are listed as unknown or unspecified, the importance of the coin lies in its historical context and status as a proof specimen. As a coin representative of its time, the 1861 $2.50 copper pattern is not just a reflection of currency but also an artifact of numismatic interest, sought after by collectors and historians alike for its unique characteristics and the narrative it contributes to the story of American coinage.

Country United States of America
Year 1861
Serie Patterns & Trial Coins
Denomination $2.50 (Two and a Half Dollars)
Mint Philadelphia