1896-S 25C MS65 PCGS....

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Lustrous 1896-S Gem Quarter

1896-S 25C MS65 PCGS. Along with the 1901-S and the 1913-S, the 1896-S is one of the three keys to the Barber quarter series. The 1896-S was produced to the extent of just 188,039 pieces, survivors of which are particularly rare and desirable in grades at or above the Extremely Fine level.
Barber quarter specialist David Lawrence contends in his Complete Guide to Barber Quarters reference that the 1896-S is "far scarcer than the (lower mintage) 1913-S in mint state." PCGS/NGC population data corroborate this, as the two services have graded about 60 Uncirculated 1896-S coins compared to approximately 100 1913-S pieces. A possible reason for this disparity is that the 1896-S was released at a time of limited collecting, while there was more interest in coins by 1913. Fewer 1896-S specimens were thus likely to have survived in Mint State.
The present Gem offering is an exceptionally bright coin with swirling cartwheel luster. It presents as untoned at first glance, but one can discern faint champagne-tan highlights at certain angles on each side. A well executed strike results in virtually complete definition on the design elements, including crispness on the upper right shield corner, an area that sometimes exhibits weakness. A handful of minute contact marks on the cheek probably preclude an even higher grade. The diagnostic striations within Liberty's ear are clearly visible. Population: 9 in 65, 1 finer (3/09).
From The Joseph C. Thomas Collection.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 23Y9, PCGS# 5615, GSID# 5422)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 6.25 grams
ASW: 0.20oz
Mintage: 188,039

View all of [The Joseph C. Thomas Collection, Part One ]

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