1890 Indian Cent. Snow-PR4. Proof-65 RD Cameo (PCGS).This lovely specimen is fully struck with outstanding vivid orange color on both sides. The surfaces are smooth and allow ready appreciation of strong field to device contrast. The Mints production of 2,740 Proof cents in 1890 represents a significant reduction from totals achieved throughout much of the 1880s. As Rick Snow (2014) writes:Starting in 1890, Proofs are less often found with the deep brown and iridescent toning found on the 1880 issues. In the 1880s [sic], the Mint struck large quantities of minor Proofs and sold the remainders at the end of the year to dealers at face value. Judging from surviving examples, it seems that, beginning in 1890, fewer coins were made, but a larger percentage went to collectors. This meant fewer coins were stored for 40 years or so in tissues or envelopes that eventually turned them brown with vivid colorations.This is not to imply that the Proof 1890 is common in the full Red category, for such pieces are still scarce in an absolute sense and rare above the Proof-64 level. Cameo specimens are very rare, and the coin offered here is one of just five seen by PCGS in this category.From the ESM Collection.
