1868 Liberty Quarter Eagle. JD-1. Rarity-7-. Proof-64 Cameo (NGC). A gorgeous near-Gem Proof with dramatic orange-peel texture rippling throughout the fields. Blooms of golden-bronze patina surround the design elements, accenting blended powered-blue and apricot color elsewhere. An area of natural planchet texture is noted before Libertys face, and the surfaces are otherwise untroubled and free of distractions. At Proof-64 Cameo (NGC), this piece ranks among the very finest known and only one coin is ranked higher at NGC in this category. It has been nearly four years since an example of this quality has appeared at auction and this particular piece has been unavailable since July 1997. <p>The Proof 1868 quarter eagle entered the annals of U.S. numismatics as a rare issue with only 25 pieces produced. Its scarcity was further heightened upon release as unsold Proofs were placed into circulation and others were mishandled by well-meaning collectors. It is generally accepted that no more than 20 examples are extant in all grades, with Garrett and Guth (2008) providing an even more aggressive estimate of just 12 to 15 survivors. Seldom encountered with any degree of Cameo contrast, this dazzling specimen from the Zito Collection is an important find. </p><p></p> From the Dr. Paul and Rosalie Zito Collection. Acquired July 8, 1997.
