United States of America 1870 Philadelphia Patterns & Trial Coins 1¢

Coin / United States of America / 1870 / Philadelphia / Patterns & Trial Coins / 1¢ (One Cent, Penny)

The coin in question is a unique piece from the Patterns & Trial Coins series, minted in Philadelphia in the year 1870. This particular coin is categorized as a 1¢ denomination piece, representing a small denomination of currency in the United States of America. It is noteworthy that this coin was produced as a proof, which typically indicates it was made for collectors and showcases a high level of detail and a brilliant finish. Interestingly, this coin has no mint mark, suggesting it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, known for producing a variety of coins during this era. The absence of specified measurements such as width, height, diameter, and weight could indicate that specific production details were either not recorded or are not relevant given the coin's unique status as a trial piece. Additionally, the mintage is listed as zero, which raises questions about its existence and availability; it may have been struck in extremely limited quantities or not at all for public circulation. The designer for this piece is noted as 'N/A', potentially signaling that it either lacked a designated designer or this information is unavailable. The material is classified simply as 'Other', suggesting the possibility of an alternative alloy or composition that wasn't standard for the time. As a piece of numismatic history, this coin provides insight into the experimentation and trial processes that occurred in U.S. minting during the late 19th century. Collectors may find this coin particularly intriguing for its status as a proof and its connection to the pre-circulation phase of U.S. coinage design, making it a valuable addition to any collection focusing on patterns or trial coins from this period. Overall, this 1870 1¢ coin is a remarkable artifact with a story that reflects the historical context of American coin production.