1901-S Barber Quarter. MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC. This is the undisputed "King of Barber Coinage," the rare 1901-S quarter. While even lower grade Uncirculated coins are eagerly sought, the Pogue Collection brings to market not one, but two (!) extraordinary Gems that are both solidly in the Condition Census. The MS-67 offered in this lot is a beautiful coin. The surfaces are lustrous and frosty with an overlay of slightly mottled olive and pinkish-silver iridescence. The striking detail is virtually full, and the appearance is very close to perfection.The San Francisco Mint produced only 72,664 quarters in 1901, which would remain the lowest mintage in the series until 1913, when the San Francisco Mint delivered only 40,000 quarters. The 1901-S is much rarer than the 1913-S in all grades, however, as it was saved in far fewer numbers by the contemporary public.Indeed, little interest seems to have been paid to the 1901-S quarter at the time of its production. What interest there was in the 1901-S seems to have been focused entirely on the issues usefulness in circulation. And circulate these coins did, with many of the 72,664 pieces being lost in the process and most survivors displaying heavy wear. As with most Barber coins, in fact, the only 1901-S quarters that are seen on a fairly regular basis are low grade pieces in AG, Good and VG.Even in lower grades, however, the limited mintage guaranteed that the 1901-S would be scarce in an absolute sense. Rarity increases exponentially through the Fine, VF, EF and AU grade levels. In Mint State the 1901-S is very rare, as the small number of such pieces known survived almost purely as a matter of chance. Among the finest known to the major third party certification services, this beautiful Superb Gem from the Pogue Collection should find its way into another significant Barber quarter collection.This coin was obtained by a visitor to the San Francisco Mint in 1901 and held by the same family until offered in Heritages Long Beach Signature Sale of June 2001. That sale included the 1901-S dime, half dollar and silver dollar also obtained at the same time directly from the Mint. From Heritages Long Beach Signature Sale of June 2001, lot 8175, where it was cataloged as "part of a four-coin consignment of 1901-S coinage (dime, quarter, half dollar, dollar) offered in this catalog, obtained by a visitor to the San Francisco Mint a century ago, and held together in the family since then;" Heritages FUN Signature Sale of January 2005, lot 4129.
