Heritage World Coin Auctions
Long Beach Signature US Coin Sale 1252 16-17 Feb 2017
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Proof Liberty Quarter Eagles
1869 $2 1/2 PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. The 1869 quarter eagle poses a major challenge in any format. Merely 4,320 circulation strikes were manufactured, plus 25 proofs to satisfy an elite group of contemporary collectors. Today, the proofs remain very rare numismatic delicacies for which only the most advanced specialists can compete.
In his 1989 Proof Encyclopedia, Walter Breen estimated that 12 to 15 specimens survived. CoinFacts reports a survivorship of 16 to 20 proofs. PCGS has seen 13 submissions in all, including two Cameo pieces, and three Deep Cameo coins. NGC shows another 17 proofs. These figures are almost certainly inflated by multiple resubmissions and crossovers. There are only three submissions at the PR66 grade level, all with a Deep or Ultra Cameo designation. Two are at PCGS and one is at NGC. This piece is the former NGC coin, and may very well represent both PR66 Deep Cameo examples noted by PCGS (12/16).
While the exact population figures paint a somewhat confusing picture, one thing is clear. This Premium Gem proof is one of the finest examples of this issue, if not the sole finest. It was previously offered by Stack's Bowers in their July 2008 Baltimore sale. The cataloger noted at that time: "Unfortunately, the virtual perfection of this piece and the complete lack of toning, precludes us from determining any pedigree." The history of this proof beyond its appearance more than eight years ago remains unknown.
Deeply mirrored, jet-black fields display the orange-peel texture expected of a high-end proof from this era. They contrast boldly against thickly frosted and expectedly fully struck motifs. Eye appeal is outstanding. Each side is nearly pristine, with only a couple of trivial contact marks that make attribution possible.
Ex: Samuel J. Berngard Collection / Treasure Coins of the S.S. New York (Stack's Bowers, 7/2008), lot 2361.
1869 $2 1/2 PR66 Deep Cameo PCGS. The 1869 quarter eagle poses a major challenge in any format. Merely 4,320 circulation strikes were manufactured, plus 25 proofs to satisfy an elite group of contemporary collectors. Today, the proofs remain very rare numismatic delicacies for which only the most advanced specialists can compete.
In his 1989 Proof Encyclopedia, Walter Breen estimated that 12 to 15 specimens survived. CoinFacts reports a survivorship of 16 to 20 proofs. PCGS has seen 13 submissions in all, including two Cameo pieces, and three Deep Cameo coins. NGC shows another 17 proofs. These figures are almost certainly inflated by multiple resubmissions and crossovers. There are only three submissions at the PR66 grade level, all with a Deep or Ultra Cameo designation. Two are at PCGS and one is at NGC. This piece is the former NGC coin, and may very well represent both PR66 Deep Cameo examples noted by PCGS (12/16).
While the exact population figures paint a somewhat confusing picture, one thing is clear. This Premium Gem proof is one of the finest examples of this issue, if not the sole finest. It was previously offered by Stack's Bowers in their July 2008 Baltimore sale. The cataloger noted at that time: "Unfortunately, the virtual perfection of this piece and the complete lack of toning, precludes us from determining any pedigree." The history of this proof beyond its appearance more than eight years ago remains unknown.
Deeply mirrored, jet-black fields display the orange-peel texture expected of a high-end proof from this era. They contrast boldly against thickly frosted and expectedly fully struck motifs. Eye appeal is outstanding. Each side is nearly pristine, with only a couple of trivial contact marks that make attribution possible.
Ex: Samuel J. Berngard Collection / Treasure Coins of the S.S. New York (Stack's Bowers, 7/2008), lot 2361.