Struck on a thick planchet of copper-nickel, a typical Judd-151 is a low Rarity-6 pattern that is infrequently seen. As a one-of-a-kind 60% off-center error, all bets are off!

There is no precedent for such an error on a pattern coin. I have been a coin dealer since the late 1970s, and I look for the rare, the unusual, the historically significant and the esoteric – but I never have seen anything like this coin. Quoting from the ANR auction catalog (March 2005, lot # 1003), where it was sold for the first time since 1940:

“The coin itself is virtual perfection, probably Proof-65 or even higher. However, the coin itself constitutes only about 40% of the product. The rest is the raw planchet used to strike the coin, with planchet preparation marks, etc., still visible. This planchet seems to have been the matrix for the grading number assigned. Of course, a planchet for just about anything, including a gem Proof, is apt to be in a lower grade before the dies are impressed. As patterns such as this were struck one at a time (carefully according to conventional wisdom), and on a medal press, any that were imperfect were apt to be discovered and discarded. Obviously, this piece was not. The scenario is not known, but it may have been preserved as a curiosity by someone involved. For example, Chief Engraver James B. Longacre had numismatic interest and from time to time saved items that captured his fancy, including an 1848 CAL quarter eagle and some varieties of patterns. This piece does not relate its history, other than that we know it appeared once before in numismatic circles, in Barney Bluestone’s sale of June 1940, Lot 508, where it was purchased for inclusion in the present collection, now an estate. Considering the entire range of patterns in the Judd book, over 1,800 varieties, we are not aware of a single other mint error that can hold a candle to the presently offered coin. We can readily imagine that for the pattern specialist this will be the coin of coins, the showpiece of showpieces. As to its value, this will be decided when the sale takes place. Estimates have ranged from a few thousand dollars upward, but to add another catch phrase to the mix, ‘anything goes’, and we’ll all see what happens. 57.6 grains. From the Hogan Pond Collection. Purchased from Barney Bluestone’s sale of June 1940, Lot 508.”

Note that the coin also comes with a paper envelope and a small, cotton lined coin box (shown in our third photo) that are both probably circa 1940.

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