J-327 10c (J327 10c) 1863 10c PCGS PF65 CAC. R-6+. This rare, gem, Civil War dated, aluminum 10c pattern piece shows a bold strike with bright mint luster on toned devices. The grade of Proof 65 is confirmed by CAC, which indicates that this is a premium quality piece within the grade range. The rose-beige devices are set against a darker field creating an almost cameo effect. The sharp strike is seen in the full details of the shield, the arrows, the leaves, and the reverse lettering.

Designed by James B. Longacre, the obverse shows a Union shield suspended from a ring. Around the upper portion is a wreath that drops down about three-quarters of the shield. Behind the shield are two crossed arrows. The feathers appear at the bottom and the arrow heads at the top. The obverse legend is EXCHANGED FOR U.S. NOTES. The reverse has the denomination, 10 CENTS and the date surrounded by the legend POSTAGE CURRENCY ACT JULY 1862. Two six-pointed stars separate ACT and the date from the other part of the legend.

In 1863 these pieces were called tokens. They were currency redemption pieces that were made in different varieties. Some pieces were dated 1868 but were struck in 1863. These coins were produced to study the feasibility of a special piece to take the place of Postage Currency Bills. They were made in silver, copper, tin, nickel, and, like the present coin, aluminum.

Postage currency bills were made in 1862-1863 in New York City. They were to be used as money to allow the public to buy stamps. These bills were made necessary by the coinage shortage that took place during the Civil War. They were called Postage Stamp Currency because they had facsimiles of the current five and ten cent postage stamps. While they were not legal tender, they could be exchanged for United States Notes in $5.00 lots.

The J-327 piece has a high R6 rarity rating, which means that 13 to 20 pieces are known today to exist. In its population report, PCGS shows this coin tied for finest with one other at PF65 and none better. At CAC, as of December 2011, there are 2 at PF65 with none better.