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1863 $2 1/2 PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1863 $2 1/2 PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS.
1863 $2 1/2 PR64 Deep Cameo PCGS. Ex: Bass. Along with the 1854-S, the 1841 "Little Princess," and the 1804 13 star, the 1863 is one of the most famous and infrequently seen of all quarter eagles. The key to understanding this issue is that no business strikes were produced. So, a date run of Coronet quarter eagles must include a proof 1863. Only 30 proofs were struck, and the source for this mintage figure is the highly reliable W. Elliot Woodward, who in his catalog of the John F. McCoy Collection noted, "Of the quarter eagle of 1863, I have positive knowledge that only 30 pieces were struck; hence the coin is now one of the rarest in the series. I am also assured that the $3 piece is scarcely less rare." Of the original mintage of only 30 pieces, it is believed that today only 15-20 may still exist in all grades. This is one of the finest known with only one other Deep Cameo PR64 certified and one piece is finer, a PCGS PR65. This is a sparkling piece of proof gold that has unfathomably deep mirrors in the fields. The devices are heavily frosted and produce a strong two-toned contrast on each side. The surfaces have a slightly reddish cast with a deeper splash of reddish patina on the lower reverse rim. Magnification reveals a few small contact marks, the easiest to see being in the field out from stars 1 and 2, and a curved lint mark by star 4. Absolute rarity, condition rarity, and sheer beauty are all combined in this one extraordinary gold coin.Acquired by Harry Bass from Leo Young at an unspecified date; Bass III (Bowers and Merena, 5/00), lot 208, where it brought $39,100. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.