1863 Proof Quarter Pattern - J-335

Coin Details

Auction Record

$10,925 PR66 01-01-2009 Heritage Auctions

Description

Judd-335, Pollock-387, is the first of three 1863 proof quarter patterns testing the IN GOD WE TRUST motto on the Seated Liberty quarter design. Building on the preliminary motto work seen on 1861 and 1862 half dollars, the 1863 quarter patterns brought this experimentation to the twenty-five cent denomination. The obverse features the standard Seated Liberty design, while the reverse adds the motto to the heraldic eagle arrangement. The quarter's reverse was smaller than the half dollar's but larger than the dime's, presenting a middle ground for evaluating motto legibility and aesthetic balance.

Rarity Notes

Rarity-6 to R-7. Approximately 10-15 specimens known. Quarter motto patterns bridge the 1861 half dollar experiments and the 1866 adopted design.

Cross References

Judd-335; Pollock-387; With Motto series