20 Cents '1874' Pattern, silver

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.