1964 Quarter Pattern - RB-2345, INCO

Coin Details

Description

An INCO experimental Washington Quarter cataloged as RB-2345 in the Reed-Brenner classification, representing a compositional variant within the RB-23xx sub-series of clad coinage test pieces. This sub-series explored alloy formulations that built upon the findings of the earlier RB-22xx experiments, refining the balance of metallurgical properties needed for a successful circulating coin. One of the most challenging requirements was achieving the correct surface color. American silver coins had a distinctive white-gray appearance that the public associated with legitimacy, and any replacement metal that appeared noticeably different — too yellow, too dark, or too shiny — risked public rejection regardless of its technical merits. INCO's nickel-rich cladding alloys naturally produced a silvery-white surface that closely approximated the appearance of 90% silver, giving them a significant advantage over competing proposals based on aluminum, stainless steel, or other non-nickel compositions. The RB-2345 formulation would have been evaluated for color stability over time as well as initial appearance, since some alloy combinations that looked acceptably silver when freshly struck developed undesirable toning after exposure to atmospheric conditions simulating years of circulation.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Estimated population of 1-3 known examples. Very few specimens from the RB-23xx sub-series have been publicly offered.

Cross References

RB-2345 (Reed-Brenner), NGC ID: 61882