Complete 1868 Minor and Silver Coin Proof Set. (PCGS).An original, high quality set that had been treasured by the same family through three generations spanning the 20th century, before trading privately over a decade ago. This auction appearance represents the first time the set has been offered publicly and all coins show well-matched, iridescent toning. All examples are individually graded and encapsulated by PCGS, as follows:pppstrong1868 Indian Cent. Proof-65 RB (PCGS). CAC./strong A fully struck, modestly reflective specimen dressed in a handsome blend of golden-brown and pinkish-rose. The reverse is rotated 170 degrees from normal coin alignment, a feature seen in approximately 15% of extant examples (per Rick Snow, 2014).pstrong1868 Two-Cent Piece. Proof-64+ RB (PCGS). CAC. /strongThis lovely near-Gem is fully original with warm reddish-rose toning to dominant deep orange color.pstrong1868 Silver Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65 (PCGS). /strongOtherwise dominant olive-gold iridescence yields to warmer slate gray patina over the upper right reverse and, to a lesser extent, the lower left obverse. Both sides are fully struck with appreciable reflectivity evident as the coin rotates under a light.pstrong1868 Nickel Three-Cent Piece. Proof-65 Cameo (PCGS). CAC. /strongA bright and beautiful specimen, both sides are fully untoned with a boldly cameoed finish.pstrong1868 Shield Nickel. Proof-66 Cameo (PCGS). CAC. /strongFully struck with a softly frosted texture, the devices appear to float atop deep pools of reflectivity in the fields. Untoned and beautiful.pemPCGS Population: 16; 3 finer in this category (all Proof-66+ Cameo)./empstrong1868 Liberty Seated Half Dime. Proof-66 (PCGS). CAC. /strongA richly and originally toned Gem with iridescent gold, blue and apricot undertones to dominant olive and pearl gray patina.pemPCGS Population: 12; 3 finer in this category (all Proof-67)./empstrong1868 Liberty Dime. Proof-66 (PCGS). CAC. /strongFully toned, as are all of the silver coins in this set, direct lighting calls forth iridescent multicolored undertones to dominant olive-russet and sandy-gray patina.pemPCGS Population: 7; 0 finer in this category./empstrong1868 Liberty Seated Quarter. Proof-66 (PCGS). CAC. /strongBoth sides are richly toned, the most vivid and varied colors evident as the surfaces dip into a light.pemPCGS Population: 11; 0 finer in this category./empstrong1868 Liberty Seated Half Dollar. Proof-65 (PCGS). /strongThis wonderfully original Gem is dressed in dominant steel-blue and antique copper patina, the reverse also with wisps of lighter slate gray in and around the center. With the aid of direct lighting the viewer will be greeted by even more intense undertones of gold, blue, lilac and apricot. A fully struck, expertly preserved specimen that is sure to please.pemPCGS Population: 15; 2 finer in this category (both Proof-66)./empstrong1868 Liberty Seated Silver Dollar. Proof-65 (PCGS). CAC. /strongThe highlight of this set, this beautiful silver dollar exhibits dominant toning in a blend of mauve-gray and charcoal-copper. The undertones are more vivid and include shades of gold, blue and lilac. Both sides are sharply struck throughout and exceptionally smooth for an issue that is typically offered no finer than Proof-64.pemPCGS Population: 13; 8 finer in this category (Proof-67 finest)./empThe United States Mint in Philadelphia produced 600 minor and silver coin Proof sets in 1868 for sale to contemporary collectors. This total is based on the mintage figure for the individual silver issues; additional minor coins were struck for distribution in minor coin Proof sets. In his Proof coin encyclopedia, Walter Breen breaks down this mintage as follows: 200 sets on February 14 and 100 sets each on March 2, March 25, April 28 and July 9. Complete sets, either original or assembled, are of the utmost rarity in today market, especially with the uniformly high quality offered here.p(Total: 10 coins)
