1858 1C J-203, CAM PR65CAM 认证号39454881, PCGS号388797

Ron Guth

Judd-203 is one of the most popular U.S. Pattern coins because of the unusual flying eagle design.  These were sold by the U.S. Mint in 1858 as part of a twelve-piece set consisting of eleven one-cent patterns plus a regular issue Flying Eagle Cent in Proof.  Though the actual sales figures are unknown, the Mint seems to have sold quite a few complete sets.  As a result, this is a relatively common coin and one which can be found in high grade with relative ease.

Many Judd 203's show a cameo contrast, though the PCGS Population Report indicates otherwise.  This is because, in the earliest days, PCGS did not recognize Cameo and Deep Cameo pattern coins.  As many of the older coins come back through PCGS, the populations should shift.  No Deep Cameo examples are known to exist...yet.

The finest Judd 203's top out at PR65 (in both non-Cameo and Cameo).  Carbon spots seem to be a common problem on these coins, so collectors should seek out examples that are as free of spots as possible, or look for those with tiny, inactive spots.