(1976) Blank Pattern - RB-2200, GOULD

Coin Details

Description

Reed-Brenner 2200 is a second quarter-sized unstruck blank planchet from the Gould Inc. experimental program, testing a different alloy composition from RB-2100. The existence of multiple blank compositions at both the dime and quarter sizes reflects the breadth of Gould's metallurgical proposals to the Mint. Each alloy formulation was engineered to meet the competing demands of the new denomination: the coin needed to be visually and tactilely distinguishable from the quarter dollar (to prevent confusion in commerce), compatible with existing vending machine sensors (which detect coins by their electromagnetic signature), durable enough for heavy circulation, and economical to produce. The Mint ultimately selected a copper-nickel clad composition with a distinctive eleven-sided inner border for the Susan B. Anthony dollar, rejecting proposals from Gould, the International Nickel Company (INCO), and other firms in favor of a composition similar to the existing clad coinage. The RB-2200 blank, along with the other pieces in the Gould experimental series, documents one of the most thorough alloy evaluation programs in Mint history.

Rarity Notes

R-7 to R-8. Extremely rare experimental blank. As with all Gould blanks, surviving examples are primarily found in specialized pattern collections and institutional holdings.

Cross References

Reed-Brenner RB-2200; Gould Inc. experimental program; cf. RB-2100 (quarter-sized blank variant), RB-2000/RB-2010 (dime-sized blanks); cf. INCO experimental blanks (RB-2xxx INCO series)