1792 Quarter Die Trial - J-A1792-2, Eagle on Globe

Coin Details

Description

This white metal die trial features Joseph Wright's iconic Eagle on Globe reverse design — widely regarded as one of the most beautiful compositions in early American numismatics. The obverse presents the same delicate Liberty bust as the J-A1792-1, while the reverse depicts an American eagle perched majestically atop a globe, surrounded by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and encircled by a border of tiny stars. The Eagle on Globe motif is unique among 1792 patterns and was never adopted for regular coinage, making it a tantalizing glimpse of a design path not taken. Wright created this composition during the summer of 1792 while working at the Mint in Philadelphia; tragically, he died of yellow fever during the 1793 epidemic before his formal appointment as Chief Engraver could be confirmed. His wife is traditionally have served as the model for the Liberty portrait. Die trials in white metal (a lead-tin alloy) were produced to test and verify the dies before striking in more expensive metals. The plain edge on this specimen distinguishes it from the copper pattern strikings (J-12 and J-13) which have reeded edges. Only a small number of die trials from these historic Wright quarter dollar dies are known to exist.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Survive in very low single digits; one of the most coveted 1792 die trial varieties.

Cross References

Judd-A1792-2; Pollock-8002