I want to respond to Bruce W. Smith's question of how the U. S. Mint was able to get aluminum for its pattern coins dated in the 1850s-60s. My suspicion is that these aluminum impressions may have been made later than the dates they carry, a common enough occurrence during the terms of Director Henry R. Linderman (1867-69 and 1873-78).

To the best of my knowledge, the complete aluminum proof sets of 1868 are the earliest aluminum pieces confirmed as being contemporary with the date they carry, and all earlier-dated pieces are subject to being restrikes or novodels. Linderman was a known collector of such rarities.

With regard to the Judd 175, Bruce notes it as having a plain edge when it clearly has a reeded edge as the image I got from Princeton University clearly shows. As to when it was struck, that is a good question.

As for mention of the 1890 cent, I have never been able to locate one. Regrettably, I do not know where the Mint got its aluminum.

The earliest record I have for the purchase of Aluminum by the Mint is attached. (This page is courtesy Fred Weinberg, who owns these Mint documents.) Of course, they may have purchased some earlier. From Victor Bishop of New York on Jan. 16, they bought 14 ounces at $2.67 per ounce! I have later purchases, included 50 ounces later for the "bargain" price of $100. Aluminum was more expensive than silver for quite some time.