1857 Liberty Seated Quarter. MS-67 (PCGS). This extremely beautiful coin is vividly toned in iridescent powder blue, champagne-pink and, to a lesser extent, reddish-gold. Intensely lustrous, the surfaces reveal a frosty to modestly semi-prooflike finish under a light. The striking quality is superior for a Liberty Seated quarter from the late 1850s, with virtually all design elements sharply to fully rendered. This is an outstanding Superb Gem, expertly produced, carefully preserved and worthy of very strong bids.In 1857, the Philadelphia Mint struck 9,644,000 pieces, the third largest mintage of the entire Liberty Seated design. Because of its relative availability up to and including Gem specimens, the 1857 is often chosen by type collectors who desire excellence. Above MS-66, the situation changes and the population figures drop sharply (and likely include a few resubmissions). The advanced numismatist would be well advised to pay close attention as this stunning example that is so close to the very pinnacle for this issue crosses the auction block.
