1918/7-S 25C, FH

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Sold on Jan 6, 2000 for:

$149,500.00 Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder

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Description

Near-Gem 1918/7-S Quarter with Full Head Designation, A Prized Rarity in the Series

1918/7-S 25C MS 64 Full Head PCGS. The year 1918 was one of the most dramatic of the early 20th century for the United States. On May 27, 1918, General Ludendorff launched Germany's last great offensive of World War One against the Allied Northern Front at Chemin des Dames. Hurriedly dispersed from rear areas, the United States 4th Marine Brigade took up a vital position along the Paris-Metz highway astride the Bois de Belleau. After nearly a month of fighting over rocky, hilly, and densely wooded terrain, the Marines stopped the German offensive and secured Belleau Wood as well as the surrounding terrain. Known to history as the Battle of Balleau Wood, this frightful engagement witnessed 55% casualties among American troops and forever established the fighting elan of the United States Marine Corps. By the end of the year, Imperial Germany had surrendered unconditionally and the United States emerged as one of the leading world powers of the 20th century.
In coinage history, 1918 was no less dramatic. While mintage figures remained high due to the wartime economy, the San Francisco Mint produced one of the rarest and most desirable issues in the Standing Liberty quarter series. The California branch mint's total output of 11,072,000 quarters this year undoubtedly consumed a vast number of working dies. The Philadelphia Mint was sorely strained to meet this seemingly insatiable desire. To help ease the situation, an old 1917-dated die was saved from destruction, re-engraved with an 8 over the final digit in the date, and shipped west with an S-mintmark. From this obverse die, the San Francisco Mint pressed an unknown number of quarters. Although relatively bold to the unaided eye, this overdate variety remained undiscovered until 1937, after which collectors hoarded all the examples that they could locate. The two decades that had elapsed since their production was, however, sufficient to reduce many of these curious examples to circulated levels of preservation.
Bettered by none, the 4 MS 64 Full Head examples certified by PCGS are easily within the Condition Census for the issue (9/99). As befits the designation, Liberty's head exhibits noteworthy definition for the issue. Pale gold highlights overlay the predominantly smooth surfaces. A few wispy contact marks are, however, noted and serve to preclude an elusive Gem assessment. The diagnostic clash marks on the obverse about T in TRVST are readily visible under a loupe. A later die state, this specimen also exhibits bold clash marks from the E in E PLURIBUS UNUM to the left of Liberty's left (facing) knee. Lustrous and bright, words can only begin to describe the aesthetic and technical allure of this specimen.
Ex: PCGS Registry "East Coast Collector," The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 243A, PCGS# 5727, Greysheet# 5572)

Weight: 6.25 grams

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

View all of [The Finest Known Set of Standing Liberty Quarters ]

View Certification Details from PCGS