1964 Quarter Pattern - RB-1315, INCO

Coin Details

Description

The RB-1315 experimental quarter is part of INCO's 1300-series alloy testing, conducted as the United States confronted the imminent collapse of its silver-based coinage system. By 1964, silver prices had risen from the historic $1.29 per troy ounce to levels that made the metal content of dimes and quarters nearly equal to their face value. This crisis prompted President Johnson to establish the Treasury Silver Study, which evaluated alternatives from INCO and other suppliers. The RB-1315 composition represents one variant within the 1300-series family that was tested on Washington quarter dies at Medallic Art Company, contributing another data point to the Treasury's analysis.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. The RB-1315 alloy composition survive in very few examples, consistent with the limited production of all INCO experimental test strikes.

Cross References

Reed-Brenner RB-1315; NGC census