1878 20C PR67 Cameo PCGS. BF-1, R.3....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on May 9, 2024 for:

Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

1878 Twenty Cent, PR67 Cameo
Bold Field-Device Contrast
Only 600 Pieces Struck for the Year

1878 20C PR67 Cameo PCGS. BF-1, R.3. The 1878 Seated Liberty twenty cent piece marks a quiet end to an ill-conceived series, with a limited proof-only mintage of 600 pieces after a brief 4-year tenure in U.S. coinage. Certified PR67 Cameo by PCGS, this coin represents among the pinnacle of survivors from this small production. According to Lane J. Brunner and John M. Frost in their reference, Double Dimes: The United States Twenty-cent Piece:

"The silver twenty-cent piece has the shortest lifespan of any regular issue denomination in United States history. Even before it made its way into the pockets and purses of the average citizen it was disliked. The confusion brought about by its similarity to the quarter dollar did not endear it to the public and certainly helped fuel its quick demise. It seems that the only true supporters of the twenty-cent piece were Senator Jones and Mint Director H.R. Linderman."

Senator John P. Jones of Nevada (America's leading silver-producing state) lobbied for the twenty cent denomination and introduced the bill that authorized the "double dime." While promising an end to "short bit" and "long bit" swindles when making change for everyday purchases, the new coinage only served to confuse and complicate the public's transactions. Ultimately, production of circulation strikes lasted only two years in 1875 and 1876. Starting in 1877, only proofs were struck for collectors, and unsold proofs from previous years were melted. The series-ending year in 1878 -- also a proof-only year -- saw a slight increase in production from 510 pieces in 1877 to 600 proofs.

This exceptional Superb Gem is one of only two examples awarded the PR67 Cameo grade by PCGS. There are no finer examples at either PCGS or NGC. Glassy-mirrored obverse fields reveal variegated shades of forest-green, deep-blue, amber-orange, and lavender surrounding the well-frosted central motifs. Deep-violet and peach-gold toning occupies the reverse. As always for 1878 proofs, a diagnostic die lump exists to the right of the shield banner and the two middle olive leaves are disconnected from the stem above N in CENTS. The Mint's strike is pleasingly sharp for the issue, and there are no distracting marks or hairlines visible under magnification. Population: 2 in 67 Cameo, 0 finer (3/24).(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 27H5, PCGS# 85306, GSID# 5052)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 5.00 grams
ASW: 0.14468oz
Mintage: 600

View Certification Details from PCGS