1870 $2.50 Quarter Eagle, Judd-1027, Pollock-1162, R.8, PR64 Cameo PCGS….

1870 $2.50 Quarter Eagle, Judd-1027, Pollock-1162, R.8, PR64 Cameo PCGS. Ex: Simpson Collection.

A remarkable die trial strike produced using the regular-issue Liberty Head quarter eagle dies of 1870. This rare off-metal striking was produced in aluminum with a reeded edge. According to USPatterns.com, such off-metal die trial strikings were likely produced in limited quantities for sale to collectors, although apparently very few were actually distributed. The site notes that fewer than three aluminum examples are believed known, including the piece from the famed Simpson Collection.

Regardless of the composition in which they were struck, these die trial pieces are extremely rare. Only about half a dozen examples are known in copper, while just a single specimen has been reported in nickel. As expected from an aluminum striking, the coin displays brilliantly reflective fields with deep mirror surfaces that contrast dramatically with the frosted devices, creating a strong cameo appearance. A vertical planchet lamination is visible in the right obverse field, adding a distinctive mint-made characteristic to this already exceptional rarity.

40273708  0226A2500