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20 Cents '1874' Pattern, silver
| Issuer | United States Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1874 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 20 Cents (0.20 USD) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
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| Mintage | 1874 |
| Additional information |
The twenty-cent piece as a circulating denomination wasn't authorized until 1875, but the Mint was producing experimental pattern strikes a year earlier as Congress debated the proposal. Nevada Senator John P. Jones pushed the denomination hard, arguing that the West Coast's persistent shortage of small change — exacerbated by the near-disappearance of cents and nickels from Pacific commerce — demanded a new silver solution. Judd-1357 belongs to that pre-authorization exploratory phase.
The regular issue denomination proved a disaster regardless, discontinued after just two years due to public confusion with the quarter.