10322

1858 $2 1/2 PR65 Cameo PCGS. The reverse is the o

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:65,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1858 $2 1/2 PR65 Cameo PCGS. The reverse is the o
<B>1858<$2 1/2> PR65 Cameo PCGS.</B></I> The reverse is the old style, as always in 1858, with heavy arrowheads that are connected, or nearly so, with the lowest arrow point very nearly touching CA. Compare this to the 1859 (Old Hub) and 1868 (New Hub) Proof Quarter Eagles in this sale. The New Hub style has slender arrows that are widely separated and distant from CA. Few Proof 1858 Quarter Eagles have survived. In his <I>Complete Encyclopedia,</B></I> Walter Breen enumerated just six pieces. The following roster is based on Breen's notes, with minor updating:<BR>1. Mint Cabinet, Smithsonian Institution.<BR>2. J.P. Morgan Collection; American Numismatic Society.<BR>3. The present coin. John G. Mills; John H. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg; Dr. Jerry Buss.<BR>4. Lorin Parmelee; William H. Woodin; Virgil Brand; Ira Reed; Judge Gaskill; Lester Merkin (9/1967), lot 334.<BR>5. James Ten Eyck (B. Max Mehl, 5/1922), lot 91; Ted Ullmer (Stack's, 5/1974), lot 365; T. Henry Allen (Stack's, 2/1977), lot 723; Ed Trompeter (Superior, 2/1992), lot 38.<BR>6. Impaired. In an unspecified private collection.<BR> This is a sharply struck and beautifully preserved example with sharp design elements and exceptional cameo contrast. Perhaps this should have been designated as a deep cameo example. Regardless, it is a highly attractive and desirable Gem for the connoisseur. There is no question, either, that this is a Proof example and not a prooflike business strike. There is full proof flash in the protected areas including the interior of the ear and within the vertical shield stripes on the reverse. The design features are full and sharp, and the aesthetic appearance and appeal is unquestionably that of a Proof gold piece. The surfaces have exquisite yellow-gold color with hints of iridescent toning. Minor dark brown toning is visible on parts of the rim, as well as the eagle's neck. The lower interior space of the digit 5 in the date is filled with die defects, or was not properly finished, a characteristic of all known proof examples.<BR><I>Ex: John G. Mills (Chapman Brothers, 4/1904); John H. Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Dr. Jerry Buss (Superior, 1/1985), lot 1712.</B></I>