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Lot
4014

1899 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC....

2009 January Orlando, FL FUN Auction #1121

 
Sold for: $40,250.00 (includes BP )
Bid Source: Live: Floor
Auction Ended On: Jan 8, 2009
Item Activity: 4 Internet/mail/phone bidders
5,685 page views

Description:

Stunning 1899 Quarter Eagle, PR68 Ultra Cameo

1899 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. For various reasons--some quite obvious--certain issues are subject to multiple resubmissions to third party grading companies. The result is that the population data is less valuable as a research tool. Garrett and Guth comment in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins: "The certification services have graded more than 250 examples of the 1899 Liberty Head quarter eagle in proof. Obviously, this includes rampant resubmissions. There are probably around 100 examples of the date known in proof." Considering the total mintage of 150 1899 proof quarter eagles, the Garrett-Guth estimate of extant survivors is consistent with the level of attrition typically observed with turn-of-the-century proof gold issues. The same authors documented just 49 auction appearances for this issue between 1991 and 2005, with the grades of those coins averaging PR63. And that's where the current offering parts company and enters a league of its own.
Jet-black fields burst into a display of brilliant reflectivity when rotated under a light source. The resulting contrast with the excessively frosty devices makes for a stunning show of beauty and unimaginable preservation. NGC's grade determination was obviously further influenced by the bold strike of this specimen. The resulting aesthetic quality seems incomparable, even though NGC has recorded eight examples at the PR68 Ultra Cameo level (11/08). However, as stated above, the Census Report data is clearly skewed to the high side, caused by resubmissions of those in pursuit of a higher grade.
At the PR68 Ultra Cameo tier, one would assume that the submitter would accept the lofty grade and be satisfied. Such is not the case. Since 2004, the population at this level has increased four-fold. Were the six additions to the Census Report new coins or simply resubmissions? That question can only be answered by the original submitters. We also note that five pieces have been awarded the seemingly impossible grade of PR69 Ultra Cameo within the series of proof Liberty quarter eagles. The dates of those Superb Gems are concentrated around the 1899 issue: one 1898 coin, three 1900 examples, and one 1901 piece. Therefore, one can easily conclude that it is possible for an 1899 PR68 Ultra Cameo Liberty two and a half to eventually make it into a PR69 Ultra Cameo holder, especially considering that the distinction between the two grades is nearly indistinguishable.
The current specimen is the finest 1899 proof quarter eagle to ever cross the block at Heritage. That's significant when one considers the mindboggling parade of rarities we have offered over the years. The next finest pieces were two PR67 coins that were part of two separate auctions over 10 years ago. Additionally, this piece represents only the second PR68 Ultra Cameo Liberty quarter eagle--regardless of date--to be offered in one of our sales. The other coin was an 1894 example that was part of our July 2005 Signature Sale held in conjunction with the ANA convention in San Francisco. All things considered, aggressive bidding competition is sure to ensue when this Superb Gem proof is called at auction.
(Registry values: P2) (#97925)

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Guides and Pricing Information:


Previous Prices from Heritage Auctions

Lot Date Grade Service Realized
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PLEASE NOTE: All prices realized reflect the final hammer price PLUS the buyer's premium in auctions that charge a buyer's premium. Each item has a notation at the top of the listing indicating whether that lot included a buyer's premium. All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. Please use this guide carefully and inform us of any inaccuracies.

Price Guide*

Grade Coin World
(Coin Values)
Numismedia
Retail
Numismedia
Wholesale
Numismedia
NGC (nmn)
Numismedia
PCGS (nmp)
PCGS
Price Guide
PCGS+
67 $45,000 $37,500 $30,000 $27,250 $27,500 $51,500 $56,000
68 --- $53,130 $42,500 $38,500 $38,750 $75,000 ---
69 --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
*All information listed is intended to be as accurate as possible, but errors are possible. No item may be returned or refused based on this information which is provided as a service to our customers. You should contact each pricing source directly to determine the accuracy of this information.

Population Guide

Service Grade Population in this Grade Population of Higher Grade Population in All Grades + Mintage Engraver
PCGS Not available from PCGS 0  
NGC 68 8 0 35 -
CAC 68 2 0 14 -
*This information is provided and owned by PCGS. Its display and use are subject to the licensed agreement between PCGS and Heritage Auctions.

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Proof Liberty Quarter Eagles, 1899 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC....


Proof Liberty Quarter Eagles, 1899 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC....


Proof Liberty Quarter Eagles, 1899 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC....


Proof Liberty Quarter Eagles, 1899 $2 1/2 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC....

We changed the way we image slabbed coins on February 1, 2010, in order to get a more accurate image of the coin. To get the sharper details and more accurate colors we have focused the lighting on the actual coin, which has caused the top of the holders to appear darker and milky. Please disregard the color of the holders when examining the images.

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