J-425 (J425) 1865 25C NGC PF65 CAMEO. 1865 25 Cents Pattern (J-425) R-6+ Cameo Mint luster highlights the devices of this excellent proof pattern coin. While the obverse is predominantly sliver-grey and tan, there are hints of light rose, green, and blue. Spots of dark toning are seen on the edge and among the stars. The reverse, which has more contrast than the obverse, also has more blue and russet toning in the fields.

The strike is sharp on the obverse and extremely so on the reverse, with every feather and line in the shield bold and clear. The obverse of the coin shows the regular Seated Liberty of 1865. The reverse is similar, but the motto IN GOD WE TRUST has been added to the scroll above the eagle. This new motto was added the next year for all coinage large enough to accommodate it. For silver coins that meant everything large than the dime.

The motto was added mainly because of increased religious sentiment that existed during the Civil War. Salmon P. Chase, Treasury Secretary, received many appeals from people throughout the country to add Gods name to the coinage. The first appeal came from the Reverend Mark Richards Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pennsylvania. He wrote to Salmon, You are about to submit your annual report to Congress respecting the affairs of the national finances. One fact touching our currency has hitherto been seriously overlooked. I mean the recognition of the Almighty God in some form in our coins.

The coin is an R-6+ which means that 13 to 20 are known to exist.