Owner Comments:
1873 25C Quarter Dollar
Judd-1270, Pollock-1412
Rarity: High R.7, PR66 RB
Ex: Simpson.
Struck in Copper with Reeded Edge
Obverse/Reverse:
Struck using the regular quarter No Arrows type Dies of 1873 w/ Closed 3 but in copper
Comment:
As often repeated in these descriptions, these pieces were formerly regarded as dies trial strikes; however, they were undoubtedly struck instead for sale to collectors as part of off-metal sets. Of these copper strikes, USPatterns.com estimates that four or five pieces are believed to exist, while only two or three pieces are known in aluminum.
Just a smidgen of red still survives, mostly seen around the devices and within the recesses of the design on the obverse. Otherwise, each side displays rich, deep blue patina. A couple of minor strike-through can be found on each side, undoubtedly from a stray piece of wire, etc. that was struck into the piece. The most notable example is beneath the junction of the eagle's right (facing) wing. Exceptional color and overall preservation of surfaces.
This is a very rare pattern as Judd claims it to be a High R7 while US pattern indicate only 4 or 5 may exist. In reviewing auction records from 2022 to 1971 the Judd 1270 appears 24 times. This piece along accounts for at least 7 of these appearances and 2 other pieces account for another 12 appearances leaving 2 with photos that are not clear enough to put in either of the 3 buckets and 2 other auctions noted in this time frame had no photos at all.
As reported in May 1992 Lot1724 the technical specifics are 89.0 grains. Diameter: 0.949 inches. Die alignment: 180°.
Provenance/Appearances:
Private sale Jan 2022, Prior
- Heritage Feb 2021 Signature Auction / Lot #3634;
- Ex: Bob R. Simpson Collection, Part I (Heritage, 9/2020), lot 10295;
- Superior Sept 1998 / Lot #1876 AS NGC64BN ($3200);
- Heritage Jul 1997 (ANA)/ Lot #7328 as PCGS63 RB ($2530)
- Bowers & Merena May 1992 (The Somerset Collection) / Lot #1724;
- Paramount Oct 1986 / Lot 400 ($1210);
- Bowers & Ruddy Sept 1975 Winthrop Sale/ Lot #60 ($410)