1861 Cent Patterns

About This Coin

The 1861 Cent Patterns is a United States cent from the Civil War Patterns (1860-1865) series — the second year of the series. The obverse features experimental designs reflecting wartime themes including patriotic motifs and alternative compositions and the reverse displays various experimental designs. Produced during the Civil War, when coin hoarding caused severe shortages and the Mint experimented with new compositions to keep coins in circulation. Designed by James Barton Longacre and other Mint engravers.