United States of America 1890 Philadelphia Patterns & Trial Coins 1¢

Coin / United States of America / 1890 / Philadelphia / Patterns & Trial Coins / 1¢ (One Cent, Penny)

This particular coin is a unique example from the Patterns & Trial Coins series, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1890. It has a denomination of 1¢, commonly known as one cent in United States currency. Notably, the mintage of this coin is recorded as zero, indicating that it may have been a pattern coin, which are often produced in very limited quantities for testing or design purposes rather than for general circulation. The coin is described as having no specified dimensions or weight, which is unusual and suggests that it may not have been officially issued for public use. Additionally, it possesses no mint mark, reinforcing its status as a potential trial piece. The material used for this coin is categorized as "Other," which may imply it doesn’t match standard composition materials traditionally used in circulating coins. While the designer of this coin is listed as "N/A," it is worth noting that such trial coins are often created to evaluate new designs and materials intended for future coinage. This item provides a fascinating glimpse into the experimental aspects of coin production in the United States during the late 19th century. Its status as a pattern coin makes it particularly interesting to collectors and numismatists, given its rarity and historical significance within the broader context of U.S. coinage.