Lot 2192
1900 $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded Proof 62. Lovely golden toning. Well struck. Nearly '63 quality with flaxen to orange-gold metallic patina over each side and only light hairlines. An eye-appealing, radiant Proof specimen. In order to understand the Proof status further, notice that it is struck with care reserved for these elite gold pieces; when it is compared to the usual softness at the centers on business strike Liberty quarter eagles, this gleaming jewel, on the contrary, received a full blow by the dies. In fact, twice the usual number of blows by the dies, since Proofs were struck twice on the mint's slower but surer medal press. Everything about it is razor-sharp. 250 Proofs struck, however it may be that a fair number of these were left unsold and returned to the mint for melting. Pop 20; 68 finer. (PCGS # 7926) .
U.S. Proof coins were prized by the earliest American collectors and interest in them was high throughout the 19th century, particularly in the latter half. The purchasing power of money was higher than at the present and incomes lower on a relative basis. After Proofs were offered to the general public in 1858, well-to-do collectors sought Proofs of the silver coins, and a few collectors of outstanding wealth such as the Garretts of Baltimore sought Proof gold.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
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| Realized $4,025 |
