1792 Washington President Getz Pattern - Small Eagle Ornamented Edge Cent

Coin Details

Description

Created by Peter Getz, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania die sinker, this 1792 pattern cent represents one of the most historically significant patterns from the year the U.S. Mint was established. Cataloged as Baker 29, Musante GW-31, and Whitman 10740, the obverse features Washington's bust with WASHINGTON PRESIDENT, while the reverse depicts a small, naturalistic eagle. The ornamented edge, applied through a collar during striking, distinguishes this from plain edge specimens. Struck in copper at approximately 10 grams with a 28 mm diameter, these Getz patterns proposed designs for the new federal coinage while Congress debated what should appear on American money. Cent denomination patterns are considerably rarer than Getz half dollar patterns. The WASHINGTON PRESIDENT legend directly addressed the controversy over presidential portraits on coinage — a question resolved against the practice, with Congress choosing allegorical Liberty figures to avoid what critics called monarchical imagery. These extremely rare Getz cent patterns document a pivotal moment when the visual identity of American money was still undetermined.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Getz cent patterns are rarer than the half dollar types.

Cross References

Baker 29; Musante GW-31; Whitman 10740