1896 Barber Quarter. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC. This handsomely toned example exhibits a dominant blend of olive and steel gray patina on both sides, with more vivid highlights of reddish-rose, antique gold, powder blue and salmon pink. Swirling cartwheel luster and a razor sharp strike add to the appeal. Although over 3.8 million Circulation strike 1896 quarter dollars were struck, David Lawrence (1994) observes, "All these early dates are much tougher in F through AU than the later dates of similar mintage." Regarding Mint Sate coins, the author makes an even more remarkable comment: "Proofs are almost twice as common as mint state business strikes." Indeed, it has been quite a while since we have offered another example of comparable quality to this delightful MS-67, and that coin was certified "only" MS-66. For the Barber quarter enthusiast assembling a top flight collection of this challenging series, this offering could very well be a once in a lifetime bidding opportunity.
