1883 Hawaii Quarter Dollar. Proof-68 Cameo (NGC). This example exhibits deep and watery mirrored surfaces on both sides with frosted devices prominently creating a significant Cameo effect from every angle. The centers show just a faint golden hue, while the borders are beautifully toned in shades of deep amber and cobalt blue. Impressively sharp and gorgeous to examine under a light source. This specimen is the sole finest known example, ranking higher than any piece certified by PCGS or NGC by at least two full grade points. The 1883 Kingdom of Hawaii coinage dies were engraved by noted Philadelphia Mint specialist Charles E. Barber. Barber had a hand in making many, if not most, of the Proof U.S. coins that were struck in that era, as well as the entire fascinatingly beautiful series of Hawaiian silver coins minted in 1883. Initially, in September of that year, six Proof sets were struck which included the quarter (Hapaha); a year later, an additional 20 sets were sent to the Hawaiian government using the same dies. These sets were issued for presentation to dignitaries in the Islands and were never offered for public sale (unlike regular U.S. Proof sets of 1883). Specimens from these Proof sets are incredibly scarce and seldom appear to auction relative to other major rarities. The present offering represents the first Proof quarter that we have handled in over a decade, since our sale of the Hawaii Collection in September 2009. Ex Heritages sale of April 2017, lot 4393; Legends sale of May 2018, lot 655: Legends sale of May 2019, lot 59.
