A spectacular, historically significant, unique set of Martha Washington Quarter-sized test pieces, struck circa 1999, offers a rare window into how the United States Mint experiments with coin finishes, compositions, and surfaces. Not only are these pieces officially documented, but they also represent five distinct experimental finishes, two of which later entered mainstream U.S. coinage.
Listed on the USPatterns website and assigned Judd-2116, these test pieces were struck in cupro-nickel clad and certified by NGC. More importantly, the set remains unique, making it one of the most intriguing modern pattern discoveries available to collectors.
Five Experimental Finishes Tested by the U.S. Mint
This exceptional set consists of five Martha Washington quarters, each struck with a different experimental finish. At the time, the U.S. Mint explored surface treatments to improve durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance.
The five finishes include:
- Antique Finish
- Satin Finish
- Brushed Finish
- Reverse Proof Finish
- Proof Finish
Notably, the Mint later adopted two of these finishes for circulating and collector coinage. Specifically, the satin finish appeared in Mint Sets from 2005 through 2010, while the reverse proof finish debuted on the 2006-P American Silver Eagle.
However, to date, no official U.S. coinage has been issued with either a brushed finish or an antique finish, underscoring the experimental nature of this set.
Discovery of the Martha Washington Test Pieces
The modern rediscovery of Martha Washington test pieces began in 1999, when Mike Byers uncovered the first known example struck on a U.S. cent planchet. After authentication and certification by NGC, Coin World featured the piece on its front page, immediately drawing national attention.
A few years later, Byers discovered seven additional Martha Washington test pieces, struck on various U.S. planchets and in multiple compositions. NGC certified these examples as well. Since then, several other pieces have surfaced, with public auction and private sale prices reaching as high as $25,000 per coin.
The Martha Washington Quarter and Judd-2115
Eventually, Byers made another landmark discovery: the first Martha Washington test piece struck on a clad quarter planchet. This coin became the plate coin for Judd-2115 on page 290 of the eighth edition of United States Pattern Coins, Experimental and Trial Pieces.
More recently, a second Martha Washington quarter has emerged, confirming that limited experimentation extended beyond a single piece. Additional details can be found through USPatterns.com, which continues to document new discoveries as they surface.
Smithsonian Examples and Early Metallurgical Testing
According to United States Pattern and Related Issues by Andrew W. Pollock III, the only trial pieces believed to have survived metallurgical testing in 1965 include dime, quarter dollar, and half dollar equivalents struck in copper-nickel clad over copper.
One such trio, struck using Martha Washington dies, resides permanently at the Smithsonian Institution, embedded in lucite blocks. These preserved examples highlight the long-standing role of the design in Mint experimentation.
Why the U.S. Mint Uses Martha Washington Dies
Over time, the Martha Washington design became the Mint’s all-purpose test motif. The Mint deliberately selected it to avoid creating unintended rarities using circulating coin designs.
As a result, the dies have tested:
- New metal compositions
- Experimental surface finishes
- Planchet sizes and thicknesses
- Edge lettering techniques
- Even Braille elements
Importantly, these experimental strikes occurred both inside the U.S. Mint and through outside contractors. Domestic partners included IDX Inc., PMX Industries, and Olin Brass Corporation, while Schuler AG of Germany handled overseas striking. Schuler AG also supplies the coin presses currently used by the U.S. Mint.
Design Details of the Martha Washington Test Dies
The proof dies used for these experiments remained in service from 1965 through 2011, when the Mint introduced a redesigned version.
The obverse features a bust of Martha Washington, with:
- “VIRGINIA” above
- The date “1759” below, marking her marriage to George Washington
The reverse typically depicts Mount Vernon, reinforcing the historical theme while avoiding overlap with circulating coin designs.
Experimental Alloys Struck Using Martha Washington Dies
Beyond cupro-nickel clad examples, the Mint struck Martha Washington test pieces in a wide range of alloys. These compositions appear in the Final Report on a Study of Alloys Suitable for Use as United States Coinage (February 12, 1965), prepared by Battelle Memorial Institute.
Documented Judd varieties include:
- Nickel – J2115
- Cupro-nickel clad – J2116
- 50% silver / 50% copper – J2117
- Silver clad – J2118
- Columbium (Type 1 & 2) – J2119–J2120
- Zirconium – J2121
- Monel alloy – J2122
- Nickel–5% silicon with magnetic core – J2123
- Stainless steel (Types 301 & 302) – J2124–J2126
Notably, Judd-2116 exists in both business strike and proof formats, including the five experimental finishes struck circa 1999.
Anti-Tarnish Testing and Mint Experiments
According to a Coin World article dated June 24, 2002, the Philadelphia Mint conducted anti-tarnish testing on January 8, 2000, using Sacagawea dollar blanks struck with Martha Washington experimental dies.
The Mint tested seven separate processes, spanning:
- Circulation-quality strikes
- Uncirculated (Mint Set) coins
- Proof-quality coins
In addition, technicians used at least four different presses and applied five burnishing methods, underscoring the depth and complexity of the Mint’s research.
A World-Class Set for Advanced Collectors
Ultimately, this unique five-piece set of Martha Washington test pieces represents far more than experimental coinage. Instead, it documents how the U.S. Mint evaluates finishes, surfaces, and metals before introducing them to the public.
For advanced collectors and institutions alike, this set belongs squarely in a world-class U.S. coin collection, bridging the gap between pattern history, modern Mint innovation, and numismatic discovery.
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