1
299
bid online at
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$2.50 Gold
1890 G
EM
D
EEP
C
AMEO
P
ROOF
Enlargement
1883
1890
.
PCGS graded Proof 65 Deep Cameo PQ.
CAC
APPROVED.
During the decade from 1890 to 1900, the
Philadelphia Mint excelled in creating some of the most
beautiful proof gold and silver coinage ever seen, most with
a highly desired cameo effect. On gold coins in particular,
sometimes the fields enjoy a peculiar "orange peel" appear-
ance, which is both highly reflective and textured at the
same time, and the lettering and devices are well frosted by
the dies. Creating these proofs took many steps: first the
hardened high quality steel dies are dipped in either a weak
acid or lightly sandblasted. This process created the dull,
frosted devices, raised on the coin but in recess on the die.
Next, the fields on the die are polished to a fine mirror-like
finish, which gives the coins their unique reflectivity in the
fields and contrast with the frosted devices. Only a few
proofs were made each year, and sometimes the proof dies
were later reused to create normal business strikes for gen-
eral circulation as an economy measure.
By the end of the 1880s, collector interest in proof gold
coinage was increasing, and the Mint produced some 93
proof quarter eagles in 1890, a rather substantial mintage
for the era. About half of those pieces, however, are not
known to survive, making extant specimens rare in any
grade. This piece easily qualifies for the assigned Gem
grade level in both sharpness of strike and overall preserva-
tion. Deeply reflective fields frame heavily frosted devices,
beautifully showcasing the Deep Cameo contrast as stated
by PCGS. Soft peach-gold color deepens slightly toward the
borders adding to the visual appeal. Close examination with
a loupe reveals a few microscopic spots and a couple of
minor hairlines in the fragile fields; these being normal for
the grade assignment.
Pop 3; 5 finer, 3 in 66, 1 in 66+,
1 in 67.
(
PCGS # 97916
)
Estimated Value .....................................$25,000 - 27,000
1884
1892
.
NGC graded MS-62
. Sharply defined with bright yel-
low-gold luster that is accented with hints of pink. Though a
number of pinpoint marks and wispy abrasions are seen on
each side, the overall eye appeal is strong for the grade. One of
only 2,440 pieces struck. Housed in an NGC Old Style Holder.
Pop 38; 34 finer at NGC.
(
PCGS # 7844
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $750 - 800
1895 G
EM
P
ROOF
D
EEP
C
AMEO
Enlargement
1885
1895
.
PCGS graded Proof 66+ Deep Cameo PQ.
CAC
APPROVED.
The small productions of business strike
quarter eagles that began in the 1880s only slowly
increased in the 1890s. The year 1895 saw a modest pro-
duction of just 6,000 circulation strikes accompanied by
119 proofs. Interestingly, all of the other gold denomina-
tions, from half eagle through double eagle, had generous
to enormous mintages for the era, perhaps leading to this
issue being generally somewhat underrated. The potential
bidder should not fail to appreciate this piece, however, as
its combination of impeccable surfaces, lovely bright yel-
low-gold patina, and a full strike with deeply contrasting
surfaces will elicit only the highest admiration of advanced
collectors.
Pop 1; 3 finer in 67.
(
PCGS # 97921
)
Estimated Value .................................... $35,000 - 38,000
Enlargement
1886
1896
.
ANACS graded Proof 62
. This is considered a rare
proof gold coin as only 132 examples were produced for the
year. The surfaces have scattered handling marks and shallow
scuffs but lack the copper spots or deep marks that are often
found on these delicate surfaces. A couple of tiny abrasions are
noted in the left obverse field between star 3 and Liberty's
nose. Attractive orange-gold surfaces throughout and attractive
for the modest grade assigned. Housed in an ANACS Old Style
Holder.
Estimated Value ..............................................$2,500 - 2,600
