1866 Proof Quarter Eagle Pattern - J-542

Coin Details

Auction Record

$23,500 PR66 05-25-2016 Stack's Bowers

Description

This proof pattern documents the addition of IN GOD WE TRUST to the quarter eagle ($2.50 gold piece), the smallest regular-issue gold denomination in 1866. The obverse features the Coronet Head Liberty design that had served the quarter eagle since 1840, with LIBERTY inscribed on the coronet. The reverse displays the heraldic eagle with the newly added motto on a ribbon above. Adding the motto to the quarter eagle's compact 18mm diameter required particular skill from the engraver — the small coin left little room for additional text without cluttering the design. Longacre achieved an elegant balance that would serve the denomination through its final year of 1907. This proof pattern represents one of the scarcer gold denomination patterns from 1866, as fewer proof gold patterns were typically produced compared to base-metal issues.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Approximately 5-12 examples known.

Cross References

Pollock-3610