This is the first design of small cents issued in the US. The first year of issue, 1856, is actually a pattern produced and handed to congress in order to show how they would look and feel and to gain approval, as the large cents had become too costly to continue. They were codified by the act of February 21, 1857, calling for the redemption of the old copper large and half cents for the new small cents, and included Spanish and Mexican silver coins to be exchanged for US coins. The example here has most of the detail with a good color which is difficult to find. NGC Cert# 2648513-002.
