Owner Comments:
1864 25C Paquet-Designed Quarter
Judd-384, Pollock-452
Rarity: Low R.7, PR63
Struck in silver with a reeded edge.
Obverse: The obverse is the regular-issue Seated Liberty design of 1864.
Reverse: Paquet's reverse features an eagle and shield, olive, and arrows in the claws. Around, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR below.
Comment:
The fields on each side are deeply reflective and flash strongly through the light gray-rose toning. Considerable contrast is noted also between the fields and devices.
In the auction listing by Goldberg Auctioneers June 2011 they elaborate some history on Praquet as follows:
Paquet did contract work for the Mint in early 1857, and on October 20 of that year joined the Mint staff as an assistant engraver. He remained in that post through early 1864, after which he returned to the private sector, but continued to do important commissions for the government, including two designs for Indian Peace medals. Paquet furnished the letter punches for certain patterns and possibly regular coins as well, one recorded shipment arriving in late May, 1857, although he could have done earlier work as well. Apparently, the same engraver made up punches for various denominations including the dime, quarter, and half dollar. However, these fonts were not used at the time for circulating coinage.
Provenance / Appearance:
Heritage Jun 2021 Signature Auction / Lot 3756. Prior Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctions June 2011 Pre-Long Beach / Lot 1269; and Heritage Nov 2003 Signature Sale / Lot #11053; ; Possible Superior Oct 1973 / Lot #1527