Lot 1165
1900. PCGS graded Proof 67 Cameo. Only 912 struck. Fully white gem. From center to periphery the intense flood of silvery luster glows. The superb quality of the fields is matched by the stirring white satin frost on the cameo devices. Putting aside the luster for a moment, though those who inspect the coin first hand before bidding will want to dwell on it for half a minute longer, we move on to the strike. Here again, as in the other pieces from the Shapiro Registry Set, it is easy to see this piece received a full, sharp blow by the Proof dies.
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.
From the mid-1860s onward, the Philadelphia Mint offered collectors on more limited budgets Proof sets of the minor coins only, such as the Small Cent, 2 Cents, Nickel 3 Cents and 5 Cents. These sets were popular among the few hundred collectors then active, but well-preserved minor Proofs are every bit as scarce as top-condition specimens of the silver and gold, and with them form an important part of the American numismatic record. The Barber Proof coins are some of the finest ever made. Most years the dies were frosted in the recesses so as to impart cameo contrast against the mirror field. The years 1901-04 saw a switch to an all-brilliant finish. Cameos are rarely seen of those years. From 1905-on, Proofs returned to the more normal two-tone or cameo contrast. Pop 6; 1 finer in 68CAM (PCGS # 85686) .
Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000.
The Larry Shapiro Collection; Number One PCGS Registry Proof Barber Quarters Set.
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