Pre-1917 Proof Coins
Presents:
1870 Pattern Quarter Dollar
AW-958, Judd-888, Pollock-987
PCGS Proof-62
Estimated Survivors = 30
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A very attractive pattern from the standard
silver series with a cute Liberty head on the obverse and a fairly
substantial wreath on the reverse made with a great abundance of grains
and vegetables. Miss Liberty is wearing a cap and an interesting tiara
made of stars. This pattern is listed as Judd-888 and Pollock-987. Judd
lists it as Rarity 6 while Pollock lists it as Rarity 5 to 6, so there are
probably anywhere from 25 to 35 of these in existence. There are two minor
varieties for this coin, one struck on a slightly thinner planchet than
the other, but the difference is minimal, amounting to about one tenth of
the weight of the total coin. Both varieties have a reeded edge, and there
is no price difference between the two. The whole idea behind the standard
silver experiment was to get coins circulating again. Really it was just a
scheme to lower the weight of the silver coins. The fineness was left
unchanged at 90% silver and 10% alloy, but the weights of all the silver
coins from three cents up through the dollar were significantly reduced.
This experiment approached a frenzy in the year 1870, with over 250
different pattern varieties for that one year alone, more than any other
single year. The designs used were created by James Longacre, but the dies
used to mint the patterns were engraved by William Barber. This particular
specimen is mostly brilliant with just a little bit of goldish toning
around the rims. On the reverse, the gold is mixed with a few traces of
blue. The mirrors have excellent reflectivity. There are no major marks at
all, and the coin has the eye appeal of a higher grade. A very scarce coin
for a very reasonable price.
Sold December 2004 Questions or comments? Info@pre1917proofs.com Return to Pre-1917 Proof Coins Home Page
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