| Description |
1859 25C PR67 S NGC. CAC. Type Two reverse. The 1859 quarters were struck in the reported amount of 800 pieces, but it is a near-certainty that considerable numbers were melted as unsold at the end of the year. There were simply not that many collectors of modern proof coinage at that time, even though numismatics was a burgeoning hobby after 1857, when the "old copper" cents and half cents were retired. Most numismatists of the era favored ancients, Colonial coins, Washingtonia, and rare Federal issues from earlier decades for their collecting pursuits. The Mint had only begun publicly marketing proof coinage the year before this coin was struck, in 1858. (The offering of numismatic "delicacies" to the well-connected, however, was a practice that would continue for decades.) Perhaps only 40 or so Gem proofs of the 1859 quarter survive today, and at the Superb Gem level of this piece, PCGS has seen two submissions, NGC four, with the Newman coin the only one achieving the Star designation for exceptional eye appeal. The surfaces are fully struck throughout on this piece. The obverse shows a golden-pink center, radiating outward to purple and charcoal, on deeply mirrored fields. The reverse shows lighter amber to russet hues near the rims, with a golden-gray center. Census: 4 in 67 (1 in 67 S), 9 finer (10/13). Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $19,975.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
