| Description: |
The obverse design features a hook neck eagle flying left with 13 stars around the periphery and the date 1854 below. This obverse is modeled after a design by artist and naturalist Titian R. Peale that first appeared on certain pattern half dollars dated 1838. For the reverse we note a laurel wreath encircling the denomination ONE CENT with the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border. There are two leaves in the wreath below the letter E in StATES. Struck in bronze (95% copper, 4% tin, 1% zinc, as denoted on the NGC insert) with a plain edge.
A touch of striking softness to the central highpoints aside, this piece is bold to sharp in detail with dominant chestnut-brown patina. Certain angles do call forth blushes of more vivid powder-blue and pinkish-rose iridescence, especially in the fields. Superior quality for the assigned grade in that there are no sizeable or otherwise outwardly distracting handling marks.
PCGS# 11678.
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