Before the 1850s, there were very few collectors of United States coins. Those who did pursue this hobby typically sought only the regular issues by denomination and date. The more ambitious ones sought proofs which, until 1858, were not distributed publicly. Patterns, those coins made for the purpose of testing new designs and metals, were little known outside of the Mint's own personnel. With the overall growth of the hobby during the 1850s came the first demand for such pieces from collectors.

The search for a replacement for the cumbersome copper cents used since 1793 was an extensive one, and this pattern represents a compromise of sorts. Slightly smaller and lighter than the regular cents of the time, it was ultimately rejected in favor of the small, copper-nickel cent. Of all the many pattern designs that never saw circulation, this is one of the most appealing. Designated as a bronze striking, it is evidently a re-strike made sometime after 1863. A fully struck gem, it displays fine wood-grain toning. Its reverse reveals a rotation of several degrees between the first and second impressions.