Lot 760
1892 Barber Quarter Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 66. Here we begin a sensational run of proof Barber quarters. We start right out of the gate with a superb 1892 that boasts typically Benson blue and gold toning on both sides, with radiant white frost at the centers. There is a faint line down Liberty's temple to her jaw, and this probably kept this from an even higher grade. Superb.
How did these coins all tone with such beautiful colors? Well, Dr. Benson purchased these in the 1940s as a set. While we don't know for certain, it is likely that the coins were untoned or lightly toned at that time. Each coin was carefully placed in the appropriate Wayte Raymond's National Pages coin album. These brown cardboard coin albums were used by most collectors of that period. In this case, Dr. Benson placed the coins in the album by pressing the obverse down into the hole for that particular date, so the reverse rested against the see through slide. As the cardboard used in the holder was much thicker than the coins inserted, the obverse was actually lower than the surrounding wall of cardboard, protecting the obverse when the slide was closed, and most importantly, giving the obverse not only a pocket of air between the coin and the slide, but more exposure to the high sulfur content cardboard. Hence, over the next 56 years, the obverse of the silver coins tended to tone more than the reverse, and that is why most of the coins in this collection show similar colors, heavier on the obverse, less so on the reverse.
Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,500.
From the Benson collection and purchased from Ira S. Reed on August 17, 1944 as part of a set of Proof quarters from 1858 to 1915 for $235.00.
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| Realized $4,830 |
