1893 Isabella Quarter. MS-68+ (PCGS). CAC.A magnificent and desirable Gem with essentially perfect surfaces. Vibrant bands of turquoise and violet iridescence surround the subtle golden hues that highlight the centers of each side. Intense satiny luster cartwheels throughout the fields and emphasizes the sharp, richly frosted design elements. Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Isabella quarter was authorized March 3, 1893 and production began almost immediately afterward. Petitioned by the Board of Lady Managers of the Columbian Exposition, the issue features a stylized portrait of Queen Isabella as the central obverse device, with a kneeling woman with spindle in hand signifying the industrious nature of women as the reverse design. They were sold for $1.00 each at the Exposition and a total of 24,214 were struck. They remain one of the key-date issues in the Classic Commemorative series and this example is one of the finest known. It is tied with two others as the finest certified by PCGS with none finer, representing an irresistible opportunity for the most advanced collector or PCGS Registry Set participant.Ex Schultz Collection
