The 1879 Washlady Quarter is one of the most refined and elusive patterns of the post-Civil War era. Conceived during a period of artistic experimentation at the U.S. Mint, the coin features Liberty seated in a flowing classical gown, her hair loosely tied, with a shield resting beside her and a pole topped with a liberty cap in hand. The reverse presents a boldly rendered eagle, wings spread, clutching arrows and an olive branch—an assertive yet balanced composition that echoes the neoclassical revival gaining traction in American sculpture.

This particular specimen, struck in copper and certified PCGS PR66+RB, is a condition rarity with exceptional visual depth. The Red and Brown designation reveals a layered patina of warm copper tones intermingled with violet and blue iridescence. The mirrored fields and sharply defined devices suggest careful preservation and minimal handling. As a copper trial piece, it was likely produced for internal review or collector sale, and its survival in this state underscores its importance as both artifact and aesthetic achievement.

The Washlady design—informally named by collectors decades after its creation—was part of a broader push to modernize coinage aesthetics. While the nickname is casual, the design itself is anything but. It reflects a shift toward elegance and balance, away from the rigid symbolism of earlier coinage. The 1879 quarter patterns were struck in multiple compositions, including silver, copper, and aluminum, with the copper issues being among the rarest and most visually distinctive.

Auction records for Judd 1591 show strong demand, especially for high-grade Red and Brown examples. This coin was featured in a Heritage sale, where it drew attention for its preservation and provenance. The PR66+ grade places it among the finest known, and its copper composition adds a layer of visual warmth not present in its silver counterparts. For pattern specialists, it represents both aesthetic ambition and technical excellence. Its inclusion in the Green Collection further affirms its stature, joining a cabinet known for curating coins of exceptional rarity and artistic merit.

The Washlady quarter is more than a design experiment—it is a window into the Mint’s artistic aspirations during a time of national growth and industrial confidence. Its flowing lines and balanced composition prefigure the sculptural breakthroughs of the early 20th century, including Barber’s coinage and the eventual arrival of the Standing Liberty and Walking Liberty designs. In copper, the design takes on a richness and depth that elevates it from prototype to visual monument.

Now part of the Green Collection, this 1879 Washlady Quarter in copper stands as a testament to numismatic artistry and preservation. It bridges the gap between pattern coinage and classical sculpture, honoring a design that was never adopted but never forgotten. For collectors and historians alike, it remains one of the most graceful and compelling quarter patterns ever struck.