1885 1c PR RB

1885 Cent Production: Planchets this year were ordered from the firm of James Watson & Son. Their last shipment arrived on February 20; no new planchet deliveries were made until 1887. Coinage for both the cent and five-cent denominations was halted on February 16 and did not resume until late 1886. As a result it is probable that the planchets on hand were used for two years of cent production. Mintages for 1885 and 1886 fell to roughly half the normal amount, a low for the decade.

Survivability: Although today 1885 is recognized as a relatively scarcer date, this was not recognized until the coins were in circulation for many years. Most cents of this year are well worn. Any examples that survived extensive circulation were likely originally saved by happenstance. Numerous treasures could be found in the bottom of a 50-yearold “penny jar.” Most of the Uncirculated pieces are from random accumulations.

Collecting Challenges: Since the 1885 date will be slightly more diffcult to locate than others of the era, you should target it early in your search. These usually come well struck, so avoid weak and problem pieces.

Collecting Circulated Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for circulated coins is AU-50. Search for well-struck, problem-free pieces. Due to its higher demand, some dealers may find it easy to push their grading on this date. Make sure you don’t get overexcited about finding a bargain-priced coin of this date. Chances are it is not as great a deal as you may think. An overgraded coin is likely an overpriced coin.

Collecting Mint State Pieces: The optimal collecting grade for Mint State coins is MS-64RB. Full red gems are very hard to locate. It is not the most diffcult date of the decade to find—that honor goes to 1888 and 1889. Many 1885 cents come with vibrant luster and a sharp strike. Most examples are red-brown.

Collecting Proof Issues: Although this is another high-mintage date, they have not survived the decades very well. Most collectors of the time sought the Proof issues only to satisfy their date collections. Many old-time collections with intact Proof sets may have vibrant gems in all other denominations, but the cent will have toned dark brown. In fact, the majority of this issue is found with a deep, even, brown color (sometimes with vivid blue toning). It is very diffcult to find full red examples, and examples with deep cameo contrast are very tough to find.

Only a few minor varieties are known.