Name: 1871 5c PR DCAM
SKU: 2909

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Obverse Description

A shield flanked on the left and right by leaves topped with a cross with arrows positioned behind at the bottom so the arrow heads and shanks protrude at the sides. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the top periphery with the date positioned at the bottom center.

Reverse Description

A large numeral 5 surrounded by 13 stars centered in the design with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * CENTS around the periphery.

Book Reference

Key to Collecting: The low mintage figure has made this a key date for a long time. As most collectors who desired an 1871 bought Proofs, very few Mint State coins were saved, and are thus rare today. However, when seen, a gem Mint State example is usually very attractive. Proofs are readily available, but vary somewhat in quality.

CIRCULATION STRIKES:

Characteristics and Appearance: Generally, fairly well struck. Weak details are sometimes seen at the horizontal lines in the shield. The 1871 date logotype, used on all circulation and Proof dies, has the 71 close.

Mintage and Distribution Notes: Numismatic scholar R.W. Julian told of a highly interesting situation:

It is an odd fact that the low coinages of the 1870s did not exactly reflect the number of such pieces issued by the Mint. At this period of time, the Mint also served as a depository for the government and reissued base coins after they had been properly cleaned. Large numbers of minor coins were received at the Mint and reissued in the 1870s, thus holding down the need for new coins to be struck.13

PROOF STRIKES

Characteristics and Appearance: Proofs are generally attractive, but not deeply mir- rorlike. The obverse die on some is incompletely polished and shows many striae. Some have irregularities in the horizontal lines within the shield. As at least three die pairs were used to make Proofs, characteristics of striking can vary slightly.