1870 Proof Quarter Pattern - J-926

Coin Details

Description

The final entry in the 1870 quarter pattern series, J-926 is a nickel die trial struck with a reeded edge. Nickel presented the opposite extreme from aluminum in die testing: its hardness stressed the dies maximally, revealing any weaknesses in the engraving or heat treatment that softer metals would not expose. By testing the same dies in copper (soft), aluminum (very soft), and nickel (hard), Barber could comprehensively assess die durability across the full range of metals that the Mint might employ. J-926 closes the fifty-two variety quarter subseries with a piece that looks forward to the nickel-based coinage alloys that would eventually dominate twentieth-century American numismatics.

Rarity Notes

R-8. Very rare to unique, approximately 1-3 examples known.

Cross References

Judd-926, Pollock-1031