| Description |
1851 25C MS67+ S NGC. Beginning with the 1849 California Gold Rush, the United States saw huge influxes of newly mined (and often, newly minted) gold bullion and gold coinage, greatly increasing the supply of gold in relation to silver. Two signs of the times were the introductions in 1849 and 1850, respectively, of the nation's new smallest and largest circulating gold denominations, the gold dollar and the twenty dollar gold piece (double eagle). The effect of the vastly increased supplies of gold served to make the price of silver rise in terms of gold or paper currency; soon after the Gold Rush began, profiteers began melting Federal silver coinage, which was worth more as bullion than as circulating specie. In 1849, the Philadelphia Mint struck 340,000 Seated quarters for circulation. In 1850, the total quarter mintage was reduced to 190,800 pieces, and in 1851, the total would be lower still, only 160,000 quarter business strikes. But the mintage totals are irrelevant except, perhaps, as a gross benchmark; all three issues, along with the 1852 and 1853/53 (No Arrows) coinage, suffered similar fates for the most part, ending up by the many thousands in public and private melting pots. This incredible 1851 Seated quarter from the Newman Collection graded MS67+ S by NGC is, quite simply, the finest certified by a country mile, aesthetically and technically. PCGS has seen a single submission in MS66, although we have no record of that coin ever trading hands publicly. NGC has seen two submissions in MS65 with none finer until the Newman coin came along, therefore this is the finest graded at NGC by two grade points, a Plus, and a Star (10/13). The designation for superior eye appeal is richly deserved, as even a casual glance confirms the incredible surface quality and impeccable strike and preservation. Amber-gold and copper hues occupy the centers, with the obverse in particular showing concentric toning in a range of blue tones. Only two stars, 6 and 7, show a bit of strike softness, and contact marks are completely inconsequential. A top-drawer coin even within the Newman Collection. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $25,850.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
