1965 Quarter Pattern - J-2116

Coin Details

Description

An experimental quarter pattern from 1965, struck as part of the comprehensive testing program that accompanied the transition from silver to copper-nickel clad coinage under the Coinage Act of 1965. The quarter was one of two denominations (along with the dime) that moved directly from 90% silver to the copper-nickel clad composition, without the intermediate 40% silver step that the half dollar underwent. J-2116 tests a specific experimental alloy, planchet preparation, or striking technique for the quarter denomination. The Washington quarter design by John Flanagan, in continuous production since 1932, needed to translate convincingly to the new clad substrate — a challenge because the copper-nickel surface behaved differently under the striking press than silver, potentially softening design details or altering the coin's luster and toning characteristics. Production clad quarters began appearing in late 1965 (deliberately without mintmarks, which were omitted from 1965 through 1967 to discourage date-specific hoarding), and this pattern represents the experimental groundwork that made that transition possible.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8 (Extremely Rare). 1965 quarter patterns from the clad transition testing program are very scarce.

Cross References

Judd J-2116