Beschreibung:

Vibrant surfaces with a generally brilliant finish; just a hint of gold is seen on the reverse at indirect light angles. This is an outwardly smooth near-Gem and, and although not designated on the NGC insert, the finish is appreciably cameoed. This is the first year of issue of the Motto design, which came into use in 1866 and onward. Furthermore the production of proofs in this post Civil War period limped to a sparse 725 piece count. This is one of the finer examples, and offers a pleasing blend of quality, rarity and eye appeal. One of the sections of the new law authorizing the switch to bronze in the Indian cent permitted the Treasury to order the addition of the motto "In God We Trust" to any coin it thought proper. The beginning of the war had prompted a great rise in religious feelings; an earlier suggestion in 1861 of adding the motto had found a receptive home in the Lincoln administration, especially with Secretary Chase. Several pattern silver and gold coins had been struck during the war to illustrate the concept. Beginning with the 1866 silver quarter dollar, half dollar, and silver dollar issues, the motto was included on a scroll above the eagle. (PCGS 7014)