J-663 1868 $10 (J-663, low R-6) NGC PF65CAM CAC

J-663 1868 $10 (J-663, low R-6) NGC PF65CAM CAC - Struck during a time when circulating money was still nowhere to be seen in general commerce. This was a situation that arose following the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, and would not be solved until the 1870s. The present piece was struck to propose a new uniformity in American coinage, and his part of a set of various denominations using the same obverse design. Scarce in all grades, but rare with any Cameo designation, as seen on the present piece.

The obverse design is the Liberty head that was utilized on the regular 3 cent nickel pieces introduced in 1865. This was designed by James Barton Longacre, who is not attributed with designing the reverse. According to Tom DeLorey, and noticed in Pollock, the style of the reverse attributes this design to Anthony C. Paquet.. The reverse used on this particular pattern shows an eagle in flight, holding a branch and arrows in its claws. Above the eagle is the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and the denomination is spelled out as TEN D.

This particular pattern issue was struck in Gold, Copper and Aluminum. The present piece is an example of the latter, which has an approximate 12 to 15 pieces known, in all grades. In the late 1860s, Aluminum still was a semi-precious metal, valued above Silver. It can be assumed that this piece was thus created for sale to collectors, as the cheaper Copper would be used for true patterns.

The present offering represents a scarce Aluminum issue, which can be readily identified as such by the look of it. Aluminum is very vulnerable to oxidation, but the amount seen on this piece is very limited. Deep mirrors are noticed on both sides, with frosted devices warranting the Cameo designation. The sharp is strong, and the eye-appeal is exceptional. A wonderful example of this scarce and popular pattern issue, stickered by CAC for exceptional quality.