1881 $2.50, DCAM PR(PCGS#97907)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3231

等级

PR67DCAM

价格

685,509

详细说明

An important and beautiful Superb Gem Deep Cameo Proof survivor of this highly elusive date in the Liberty Head quarter eagle series. Fully struck with a bold satin texture, the devices float atop deep pools of reflectivity in the fields. Warm, even reddish-gold color paints both sides and complements the superior technical quality.<p>The 1881 is one of the most coveted dates in the Liberty Head quarter eagle series. The Philadelphia Mint issued a mere 51 Proofs and 640 circulation strikes for this denomination that year, and none were produced by any of the branch mints. Survivors of both issues are of the utmost rarity and desirability in today's market. For the Proofs, represented here, survival estimates range from just 18 to 30 pieces. When we further consider that this issue faces heightened pressure from date collectors given the paucity of circulation strikes, the Proof 1881 is particularly rare from a market availability standpoint. Indeed, this piece represents just the ninth example we have handled over the past 20 or so years, during which time we have offered many more 1879 Flowing Hair $4 gold Stellas. This offering for the finest certified (and likely also the finest known) Proof 1881 quarter eagle is a significant opportunity for the advanced collector of classic Proof gold coinage which may not arise again for many years.<p>This issue's mintage, while still paltry in an absolute sense, represents a significant increase over the 36 pieces struck for the Proof 1880 quarter eagle. The year 1881 represents the first in which the Mint offered Proof gold coins for individual sale in addition to those distributed as part of Proof sets. From 1860 to 1880, these special coins were sold only in Proof sets. This change in policy explains the increased Proof quarter eagle mintages that commenced with the 1881.