The 1866 “No Motto” Seated Liberty Quarter is considered to be a unique piece, along with “No Motto” half dollar and silver dollar coins of the same year. These issues were not mentioned in the Mint Director’s report and were not issued for circulation, making the exact origin unknown.
Starting in 1866, a scroll with the motto “In God We Trust” was added to the reverse of these three denominations. At least one quarter was produced in 1866 without the scroll and motto on the reverse. The single known specimen is struck in proof format.
Some experts have suggested that the 1866 “No Motto” Quarter is a transitional pattern piece, created during the switch to the new design. However, most have come to the conclusion that the coin is a fantasy piece that was struck long after authorization to add the motto was passed.
The coin is currently owned by the DuPont family and is on display at the American Numismatic Association. The coin has not been sold since 1961 when it was purchased for $24,500.
Coin Specifications
- Designer: Christian Gobrecht
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 6.22 grams
- Diameter: 24.3 mm
- Edge: Reeded
