1873 Cent Patterns

About This Coin

Produced at the Philadelphia Mint during the culminating year of the Trade Dollar Era Patterns (1871-1873), the 1873 Cent Patterns showcase William Barber's artistic vision for the lowest denomination. The obverse features Liberty seated facing left, holding an olive branch with a sheaf of wheat behind — a design breaking with the established Indian Head cent motif introduced by Longacre in 1859. The reverse displays an eagle perched on a bale of goods, flanked by olive branch and three arrows, evoking America's dual identity as trading nation and military power. A remarkable auction result of $46K in MS63 grade at Stack's demonstrates exceptional demand. The 1873 cent patterns belong to Barber's broader program that reimagined virtually every denomination, producing the most comprehensive set of alternative designs since the Mint's founding. For pattern collectors, the cent denomination offers a compelling study in how Barber translated his artistic language from large gold and silver denominations down to the humble one-cent piece.