1873-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. MS-63 (NGC). CAC.Impressive condition rarity for this challenging frontier era gold issue from the San Francisco Mint. A wonderfully original coin, both sides are bathed in a blend of softly frosted luster and vivid orange-gold patina. Boldly struck with an uncommonly smooth appearance for both the issue and the assigned grade, this premium quality MS-63 is worthy of the strongest bids. As with most mintmarked gold issues form the 1870s, the 1873-S quarter eagle (27,000 pieces produced) is scarce in an absolute sense and rare in Mint State. Significantly, of the four examples offered in our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, none were Uncirculated. Among the finest certified at NGC, this coin is a strong contender for Condition Census standing.