The three-cent bronze was a
pattern coin
A pattern coin is a coin which has not been approved for release, but produced to evaluate a proposed coin design. They are often off-metal strike (using metals of lower value to test out the dies), to proof standard or piedforts. Many coin col ...
struck in 1863 by George Eckfeldt.
The coin shares its obverse design (other than the font of the date, which is smaller and curved), thickness, and diameter with that of the
Braided Hair large cent, but was made of bronze rather than pure copper. Weighing 140 grains, it weighed nearly three times that of the bronze
Indian Head cent.
About 50 to 60 examples are known.
The obverse features an image of
Liberty
Liberty is the ability to do as one pleases, or a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant (i.e. privilege). It is a synonym for the word freedom.
In modern politics, liberty is understood as the state of being free within society fr ...
.
History
Throughout 1863, the coins were struck on planchets of varying thickness. According to Eckfeldt's journal:
Struck a few 3 cent pieces of copper & zinc; the size, thickness and diameter about that of the 1857 copper cent. About the middle of 1863.
Other versions
An aluminum version (Judd-320, Pollock-385) was made using a very similar design. However, examples are extremely rare with only 5 confirmed.
See also
*
Three-cent nickel
The copper-nickel three-cent piece, often called a three-cent nickel piece or three-cent nickel, was designed by US Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre and struck by the United States Bureau of the Mint from 1865 to 1889. It was initially po ...
*
Three-cent silver
The three-cent silver, also known as the three-cent piece in silver or trime, was struck by the Mint of the United States for circulation from 1851 to 1872, and as a proof coin in 1873. Designed by the Mint's chief engraver, James B. Longacre ...
References
{{Coinage (United States)
Currencies introduced in 1863
Coins of the United States
Goddess of Liberty on coins