1875 Twenty-Cent Piece. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS).；This is an exceptional Cameo Gem Proof from the brief and often overlooked twenty-cent series of 1875 to 1878. Splashes of reddish-orange toning are seen at the right obverse border, the balance of both sides is mostly brilliant with just a dusting of pale silver. The field to device contrast is bold and readily evident, as is needle sharp striking detail for the satiny devices. This delightful, solidly graded Gem will appeal to Proof type and date collectors alike.<p>The twenty-cent piece was ostensibly made to help make change in the West, where the nickel five-cent piece failed to fill the void left after termination of the silver half dime in 1873. However, the denomination proved a dismal failure in commercial channels. Since the bill authorizing the twenty-cent piece was introduced by Senator John P. Jones of Nevada, one wonders if the real reason for this denomination was as an additional outlet for the states rich supply of silver, market prices for which had been falling throughout the early 1870s. In any case, its similarity in size to the quarter caused the early demise of the twenty-cent piece. Circulation strike production was confined to 1875 and 1876, with Proofs struck for four years from 1875 to 1878. The first-year 1875 has a Proof mintage of 1,200 coins, with some examples failing to sell and either being placed into circulation or sold to coin dealers. Most survivors grade no finer than Proof-64 and this boldly cameoed Gem offers undeniable condition rarity as well as exceptional eye appeal.；From our (Stacks) sale of the John Work Garrett Collection for The Johns Hopkins University, March 1976, part of lot 307.
