1889 Liberty Seated Quarter. MS-68 (PCGS). CAC. Both sides of this Superb Gem exhibit blushes of powder blue peripheral toning that give way to softer pink and golden-apricot iridescence toward the centers. Highly lustrous with a frosty texture, this sharply struck and expertly preserved coin is sure to sell for a strong premium.Beginning in 1879 and lasting through the 1880s, large quantities of silver bullion in the Treasurys coffers was diverted toward production of silver dollars to meet the requirements of the 1878 Bland-Allison Act. Consequently, production of subsidiary silver coins was curtailed, often quite severely. Such was the case with quarters from this period, for which, with only one exception the 1888-S, mintage figures hover between 5,000 to 15,200 pieces. These few coins were largely produced to reduce the possibility of creating rarities and as a pro forma gesture towards collectors who obliged the Mint by absorbing as many of these scarce issues into their holdings as was feasible. Indeed this is what happened to the 12,000 pieces that rolled off the presses at the Philadelphia Mint, a number that comprises the entire output of quarters that year. By PCGS estimates, there are perhaps 1,500 examples, of which 350 or so are Mint State, a proportion that supports the idea that the coins were mostly saved by collectors rather used in commerce. The 1889 quarter is relatively available in Gem and can be found in Superb levels with some perseverance. Only a select few, however, can approach the exceptional preservation of the Pogue specimen. From Heritages Pittsburgh, PA Signature Sale of August 2004, lot 5946.
