In 1942 the US Mint tested plastic as an alertnate for copper, and produced Centavo One Cent Patterns. Ultimately, the mint decided on a zinc coated steel planchet for 1943, with the likeness of Lincoln.

“1942 Brown Plastic One Cent, Judd-2060, Pollock-4035, Low R.7 (left). The obverse features a woman’s bust right, derived from the Colombian two centavo piece. The reverse displays UNITED/STATES/MINT within a wreath. In his 1994 reference on patterns, Andrew W. Pollock, III wrote, “Although the experimental pieces produced in plastic and glass were manufactured by private firms, it is known that at least some, and possibly all, of the metallic pieces were produced within the Mint itself.” The experiments culminated in the 1943 steel cents. PCGS has certified just three examples in all grades. This is an evenly struck slate-gray example, granular as made.” HA.com

All pieces command a high premium from $4,000-$9,000. To see more pictures of these monumental patterns visit our US Pattern Picture Guides

United States Pattern coins are varied and diverse, with mismatched designs and denominations, but display more of the artistic side of the U.S. engravers and mint officials. One cent patterns abound in different designs, like the Annular cent (left), but never made it to circulation status nor lofty mintages.

The Annular Cent is but one example, of the many different proposed designs for a new one cent coin. Furthermore, this created a rare and valuable market, and an alternative market for coin collectors that are not much inspired by the standard designs adopted for American Coinage.

The list of One Cent Patterns doesn’t stop at the Annular Cents, but also includes more familiar alterations of the Indian Cent, Flying Eagle Cent, and Braided Hair types, but also includes other unconventional, and not widely known types like the Shield One Cent, One Cent with the Three Cent Nickel Obverse, and the 1942 Centavo plastic planchet cent, to just name a few.

If you want to know more of these rare patterns, and see pictures, mintages and more information, visit our One Cent Patterns Guides. You will be surprised!