Deep apricot centers mingle with powder blue and ivory gold at the peripheries. The design elements are bold and frosted, surrounded in satiny luster. The reverse in particular exhibits impressive definition in traditionally soft regions. This reverse die was recycled from the Proof mintage of the same date, the upper berry having been severed from its stem in the refinishing process. Fine marks in Libertys lower drapery can be seen with a glass but the aesthetic remains delightful.In the late 1870s long-hoarded silver coins came out of hiding, flooding commerce with coins that had not been seen since the spring of 1862. Accordingly, the need for new dimes, quarters, and half dollars was slight. (In contrast the production of silver dollars was unrelated and was due to the Bland-Allison Act of 1878.) Only 14,400 examples were struck of the 1883 issue and few pieces were acquired by collectors, as Proofs were preferred and plentiful. This gem from the D. Brent Pogue Collection is among the finest survivors.
