J-663
1868 $10 (J-663, low R-6) NGC PF65CAM CAC - Struck during
a time when circulating money was still nowhere to be
seen in general commerce. This was a situation that
arose following the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861,
and would not be solved until the 1870’s. The
present piece was struck to propose a new uniformity
in American coinage, and his part of a set of various
denominations using the same obverse design. Scarce
in all grades, but rare with any Cameo designation,
as seen on the present piece.
The obverse design is the Liberty head
that was utilized on the regular 3 cent nickel pieces
introduced in 1865. This was designed by James Barton
Longacre, who is not attributed with designing the reverse.
According to Tom DeLorey, and noticed in Pollock, the
style of the reverse attributes this design to Anthony
C. Paquet.. The reverse used on this particular pattern
shows an eagle in flight, holding a branch and arrows
in its claws. Above the eagle is the motto IN GOD WE
TRUST, and the denomination is spelled out as TEN D.
This particular pattern issue was struck
in Gold, Copper and Aluminum. The present piece is an
example of the latter, which has an approximate 12 to
15 pieces known, in all grades. In the late 1860’s,
Aluminum still was a semi-precious metal, valued above
Silver. It can be assumed that this piece was thus created
for sale to collectors, as the cheaper Copper would
be used for true patterns.
The present offering represents a scarce
Aluminum issue, which can be readily identified as such
by the look of it. Aluminum is very vulnerable to oxidation,
but the amount seen on this piece is very limited. Deep
mirrors are noticed on both sides, with frosted devices
warranting the Cameo designation. The sharp is strong,
and the eye-appeal is exceptional. A wonderful example
of this scarce and popular pattern issue, stickered
by CAC for exceptional quality.
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