7618

1900 $2 1/2 PR69 Deep Cameo NGC. Critical microsc

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:60,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1900 $2 1/2 PR69 Deep Cameo NGC. Critical microsc
<B>1900<$2 1/2> PR69 Deep Cameo NGC.</B></I> Critical microscopic examination of this amazing jewel fails to reveal even the slightest imperfection with the sole exception of an almost imperceptible hairline in the left obverse field, the only reason we can find to keep this from a Perfect Proof-70 grade. One of just 205 coins struck, this is the second highest mintage Proof Quarter Eagle issue in the entire Liberty series. Only the 1901 issue had a higher production of 223 pieces. This is a fully struck example with extraordinary cameo contrast, so highly desired today. At the time these coins were struck; however, Mint personnel did not consider cameo contrast to be a good thing, and they must have been particularly displeased with this example. At the close of the 19th century, technology of the time did not permit the crevices in the die to be polished. Thus it was the original die finish that created the cameo effect that is so dearly loved today. Coins struck from new Proof dies exhibited a full complement of cameo contrast. As additional coins were struck, the actual minting process served as an agent to polish the recesses of the dies, thus reducing the amount of contrast until, eventually, coins did not retain any contrast whatsoever. It is not inconceivable that this example was the very first 1900 Proof Quarter Eagle struck, or at least it was produced quite close to the beginning of production.<BR> This is a captivating coin that will stop any collector in their tracks upon initial examination. Although we have handled a few other nearly perfect examples of this issue, we do not recall any with contrast equal to this. The devices are bright yellow with full mint brilliance while the fields seem to have never-ending depth. The surfaces of that watery or wavy appearance of true Proof gold coins. Every design element on both sides is absolutely fully defined. Liberty's hair is complete in every respect, with each and every strand perfectly defined. Similarly, the eagle's feathers are all sharp and complete. Never has their been a nicer example of this design, despite reports from NGC that they have actually graded three of these in this same grade. Frankly, we don't believe that is the case, as we cannot imagine even one other example that equals this coin. Population: 3 in 69, 0 finer (5/05).