This important early Proof quarter combines outstanding technical quality with undeniable rarity. It is aesthetically pleasing, as well, with both sides richly toned in mauve-gray, antique copper and cobalt blue. The devices are fully struck on vibrant, reflective fields. This incredible Gem would serve as a highlight in the finest numismatic cabinet.As with all pre-1858 United States Mint Proof coinage, the 1843 Liberty Seated Proof quarter is a highly regarded rarity. The original mintage was not recorded, in keeping with the Mints practice at that time, but undoubtedly only a few examples were struck for presentation and other special purposes. All known specimens were coined from the same die pair, the reverse of which was previously used to strike all known Proof 1841 quarters.We have confirmed the provenances for only seven Proof 1843 quarters, and believe that this accounts for the entire extant population of this exceedingly rare issue. As follows:1 - <strong>PCGS Proof-65</strong> (formerly NGC Proof-66). Ex Numismatic Gallerys ANA Sale of August 1946, lot 442; David W. Akers sale of the John Jay Pittman Collection, Part II, May 1998, lot 1309; Heritages sale of the Phil Kaufman Collection of Early Proof Sets, August 2008, lot 1808; Heritages CSNS U.S. Coin Signature Auction of April 2013, lot 4218. <strong>The present example</strong>, and certainly the finest known Proof 1843 quarter.2 - <strong>PCGS Proof-64</strong>. Ex our (Stacks) sale of the Thomas L. Smith Estate, June 1957, lot 529; Heritages sale of the Findley Collection, January 2009, lot 3763; Heritages sale of the Bay State Collection, August 2009, lot 1085; Heritages CSNS Signature Sale of April 2014, lot 5581.3 - <strong>NGC Proof-64</strong>. Ex B. Max Mehls sale of the Dr. Christian A. Allenburger Collection, March 1948, lot 1015; our (Stacks) sale of the Floyd T. Starr Collection, October 1992, lot 403; our (Bowers and Merenas) Rarities Sale of August 1998, lot 155; Heritages sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III, May 2015, lot 98374.4 - <strong>NGC Proof-64</strong>. Ex Judge Joseph F. Sawicki, May 1948; David W. Akers sale of the John Jay Pittman Collection, Part I, October 1997, lot 832, as part of a complete 1843 cased Proof Set; Heritages Denver, CO Signature & Platinum Night Auction of August 2006, lot 5187, now being offered individually; Heritages sale of the Joseph C. Thomas Collection, April 2009, lot 2351.5 - <strong>Brilliant Proof</strong>. Ex Richard B. Winsor, purchased privately circa 1880; S.H. and H. Chapmans sale of the Richard B. Winsor Collection, December 1895, lot 1067; J. Schulmans sale of the Fernand David Collection, March 1930, lot 112; Col. E.H.R. Green; B. Max Mehls offering of the Will W. Neil Collection, June 1947; our (Stacks) sale of the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Family Collection, January 1984, lot 630, part of an 1843 Proof Set.6 - <strong>NGC Proof-53</strong>. Ex our Baltimore Auction of March 2012, lot 3022.7 - <strong>Proof</strong>. Smithsonian Institution.
