The 1882 “Shield Earring” quarter pattern is one of the most charismatic and instantly recognizable experimental issues of the post–Seated Liberty era. Designed by George T. Morgan, it replaced the long‑familiar seated figure with a bold, right‑facing Liberty portrait. Her hair flows in soft waves, bound by a headband inscribed LIBERTY, while from her ear hangs the namesake shield‑shaped earring—an unusual flourish in U.S. coinage that gives the type its enduring nickname. Six stars frame the left field, seven the right, with the date 1882 neatly centered below.

The reverse features a perched, defiant heraldic eagle, wings fully extended, clutching an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of arrows in its left. The eagle faces right, its breast broad and well feathered, the beak sharply hooked, and the claws crisply defined. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and QUARTER DOLLAR encircle the design, the inscriptions bold and even, terminating in a finely reeded edge. The overall impression is one of strength and balance, a departure from the more restrained motifs of earlier quarters.

Struck in silver with a proof finish, this pattern was part of a small series testing new designs across multiple denominations. The combination of frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields produces the coveted black‑and‑white cameo contrast. On this specimen—certified PF65 CAMEO by NGC and endorsed by CAC—the effect is especially dramatic. Liberty’s profile is fully rendered, with every strand of hair and the tiny shield earring crisply defined. The stars are sharp, the rims squared and undisturbed, and the eagle’s plumage shows full feather separation. The fields are deeply reflective, amplifying the frosted devices, with only trivial handling marks visible under magnification.

Survival for the Judd‑1698 in silver is extremely limited. Current research suggests fewer than a dozen confirmed examples in all grades. This PF65 CAMEO ranks among the finest certified, with only a handful graded higher by either service. Its combination of rarity, aesthetic innovation, and technical execution places it firmly in the Condition Census for the type. Auction appearances are rare, and demand has intensified as advanced pattern specialists and 19th‑century proof connoisseurs recognize the design’s singular charm.

On January 11, 2024, this very coin realized $81,000 at Heritage’s FUN Signature Auction, where it was acquired by Steven Farrell. Its preservation, cameo depth, and CAC approval make it a prime candidate for spirited bidding and a centerpiece in any cabinet. Encapsulated in NGC’s secure holder, this Gem also carries the assurance of CAC’s quality verification. For the collector seeking a trophy‑level pattern—bridging experimental artistry with the romance of rarity—this 1882 “Shield Earring” quarter offers a compelling prize. Its inclusion in the Steven Farrell Collection ensures that it will be preserved not only as a numismatic rarity but also as a lasting testament to the artistry and innovation of 19th‑century American coinage.

More than a pattern, it is a sculptural experiment that captures the restless creativity of its era. Morgan’s design, with its unusual shield earring and commanding eagle, reflects a moment when U.S. coinage was searching for a new identity. This coin embodies that transition, standing as both a rarity of survival and a monument to artistic ambition.