1883 $2 1/2

Description

Incredible Two-Toned 1883 Cameo Proof Gem Quarter Eagle

1883 PR 65 Cameo NGC. Only 82 proof quarter eagles were struck in this year, and of that number it has been estimated that 28 to 32 pieces exist today in all grades. Many prooflike business strikes are known and in the past they have been confused with proofs, but there is no mistaking the proof status of this gem. The fields are deeply mirrored and go "black" against the heavily frosted devices, which yields a pronounced cameo effect. The surfaces are virtually perfect--no obvious hairlines or alloy spots intrude upon the viewer's attention of this magnificent coin. When closely inspected, however, one begins to notice die striations in the fields, which were mint produced and responsible for the incredible depth of mirrored reflectivity. Also, on the reverse there is a die scratch in the right field from the F in OF to the R in AMERICA. By way of identification, there are two shallow lint marks on the lower reverse, one beneath each of the eagle's claws. One curious feature on the coin, that may be common to all 1883 proof quarter eagles, is a bit of striking softness on the eagle's left (facing) leg. We have noted this feature on one other proof of this date and mention it not because it is a visual distraction but because it may be a diagnostic that has been previously unrecorded by other catalogers.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2886, PCGS# 7909, GSID# 8528)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 4.18 grams
AGW: 0.12095oz
Mintage: 82

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.