1901-S 25C MS67 PCGS. CAC....

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$258,500.00 Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder

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Description

1901-S Barber Quarter, MS67
'King of All Barber Quarters'
Rarely Encountered in High Grades

1901-S 25C MS67 PCGS. CAC. Both sides of this magnificent Superb Gem 1901-S quarter are blanketed in vivid shades of apple-green, russet, violet, and gray toning that complements vibrant mint luster underneath. The design elements are sharply detailed throughout, showing fine definition on the star radials and eagle's claws. Impeccable surface preservation adds to the outstanding eye appeal. A coin of impeccable quality.

Population Data (5/14): PCGS has certified two coins in MS67, one in 67+, and one MS68. NGC has graded two Superb Gems and none finer. We would not be surprised, however, to find that even the small certified populations in MS67 and finer grades contain duplicate submissions, given the small costs and enormous rewards for success.

Heritage Commentary: David Lawrence calls the 1901-S the "King of all Barber Quarters" because of its low mintage and low survival rate. Only 72,664 Barber quarters were struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1901, a remarkably low mintage for any 20th century coin. There were relatively few coin collectors on the West Coast in 1901. Interest in collecting mintmarked issues was still in its infancy in the rest of the country, so most of the small mintage slipped into circulation at the time of production. Few examples were saved for numismatic purposes. The coins circulated heavily in the regional economy, as hard money was always popular in the West. As a result, most 1901-S quarters appear in lower circulated grades today. Mint State coins are quite elusive, and Superb Gems such as the present piece, far more still.

The 1901-S Barber quarter began appearing at auction as early as November 1914, when B. Max Mehl offered an example in lot 571 of the Arthur Nygren Collection, describing the coin as "Uncirculated, mint luster." Nygren was from San Francisco, and he undoubtedly acquired his quarter at the time of issue, one of the few examples preserved for future generations of numismatists in that way. Interestingly, the record price realized for the issue was set back in 1990, when the remarkable MS68 PCGS specimen in Superior's Father Flanagan's Boys Home Sale realized $550,000.

The coin offered here combines exquisite eye appeal, high technical quality, and absolute rarity in one attractive package. Series specialists and Registry Set enthusiasts should bid accordingly. Housed in a green label holder.

Consignor Commentary: A mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors covers the surfaces of this coin. More than having just casual eye appeal, this coin commands the eye's attention. I can lose myself in it for long stretches of time. So beautiful it is almost impossible to look away. Great rarity, great strike, great luster, and magnificent colors. This coin has it all.

Provenance: James A. Stack; Stack Collection (Stack's, 3/1975), lot 206; 1976 Paramount Rare Coin Review; unknown intermediaries; Purchased from Larry Whitlow (4/2001).(Registry values: N10218)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 23YR, PCGS# 5630, GSID# 5432)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 6.25 grams
ASW: 0.18085oz
Mintage: 72,664

View Certification Details from PCGS