1866 Quarter Eagle Pattern - J-542

Coin Details

Description

A business-strike impression of the 1866 quarter eagle pattern, sharing the same dies as the proof J-542 but struck without the mirror finish and deliberate production characteristic of proof coins. Business-strike patterns are generally rarer than their proof counterparts for gold denomination patterns from this era, as the Mint typically produced more proofs for distribution to officials and collectors. The coin tests the WITH MOTTO design under conditions closer to what regular production coins would experience, allowing Mint staff to evaluate die wear and design legibility under standard striking pressures. The Coronet Head obverse paired with the motto-bearing eagle reverse would become the standard quarter eagle design for the next four decades of American gold coinage.

Rarity Notes

R.7 to R.8. Estimated 3-8 examples known; business strikes scarcer than proofs.

Cross References

Pollock-3610