A true experimental piece, the Judd 177 was struck in 12% nickel and 88% copper to evaluate the feasibility of striking one cent coins in a smaller size without devaluing the coinage. These were struck in the first half of 1856, prior to the introduction of the small cent and mint employees used existing half cent dies they had on hand to test out the new alloy.
50 coins were struck and examined and the experiment was a success, resulting in the law being changed to allow the new alloy to be used. This paved the way for the striking of the 1856 flying eagle cent and the eventual abandoning of the large cent in favor of small cents.
This example hails from the famous Harry Bass Jr. Collection.