1860 Proof Quarter Eagle Pattern - J-270

Coin Details

Auction Record

$20,400 PR64BN 09-29-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-270, Pollock-320, is a proof quarter eagle pattern struck in gold during 1860. This pattern explores a potential redesign for the $2.50 denomination, which at the time still bore the Liberty Head design introduced by Christian Gobrecht in 1840. The quarter eagle was the smallest standard gold denomination, and any design change would need to accommodate the limited surface area while maintaining readability of the legends and devices. Gold quarter eagle patterns are among the rarest of all Civil War era patterns because of their small size, high intrinsic value, and the limited number of specimens originally struck.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-7 to R-8. Extremely rare. Believed fewer than 5 specimens known. Gold quarter eagle patterns seldom appear at auction.

Cross References

Judd-270; Pollock-320