J-163 (J163 1c) 1854 1c, PCGS PF64 BN. R-6+ PQ. Includes Eagle Eye Photo Seal. This rare, chocolate-brown proof 1854 1 Cent pattern cent shows mint luster within the devices of both sides. A few tiny ticks are seen in the obverse field with somewhat more on the reverse that probably keep this beauty from the gem grade, which is confirmed by the presence of the Eagle Eye Photo Seal sticker. The strike is weak in the centers, especially in the letters of ONE CENT and the lower right portion of the wreath.

The 1854 pattern cent was made to test coinage for the cent in a new size and weight. It was smaller in diameter than the current circulating cents. The obverse shows a large eagle flying left, which is adapted from Gobrechts 1838 half dollar. Thirteen stars are placed around the edge near the dentils, and the date is below the eagle. Like the Large Cents that preceded this trial, the reverse shows a continuous wreath with a ribbon at its bottom. Later the wreath was changed to the open wreath seen on regular issues. On this pattern the wreath encloses ONE CENT. Around the edge near the dentils is the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The coins rarity is R-H6, which means that 13 to 20 pieces exist in all grades. The PCGS population report shows 3 in PF64BN with 2 better. In total 10 pieces have been certified by PCGS.