Owner Comments:
1885 $2.50 Quarter Eagle,
Judd-1752, Pollock-1965
Rarity: R.8, PR65+ Cameo
(only 2 known)
Struck in aluminum with a reeded edge.
Obverse/Reverse; Struck from regular dies of 1885
Comment;
Although traditionally listed as regular dies trial striking's, these pieces were undoubtedly struck by the Mint for sale to collectors as part of complete aluminum sets.
The surfaces on this piece are typical for patterns struck in aluminum. The fields are deeply reflective, while the devices are heavily frosted. The combination produces the always-popular cameo-effect. Slight haziness is seen on each side. There is a pale golden patina on both sides likely from long storage in an envelope.
Only two pieces are known, and both are high-grade examples. In fact, since 1913 only 8 appearances of this pattern in auctions (this piece – 3 times and the Farouk/ Bob Simpson specimen which appeared 5 times)
It is curious to note die rust on the obverse, seen in the form of raised lumps both in the field before Liberty's neck as well as one her neck, another small patch of rust resides above star ten. This is more noteworthy as the other J-1752 aluminum quarter eagle does not show this feature-implying these have been struck at different times. Strange indeed
Provenance/Appearances:
Heritage Oct 2022 Long Beach Signature® Auction / Lot #3417 , Prior from the Linnemann Family Collection Stacks June 2013 Lot # 2346 ($15.275)
Plate Coin for USPatterns.com web site of J-1752