1868 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. JD-1, the only known dies. 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 NGC Proof-64 Cameo, this piece ranks among the very finest known and only two coins are ranked higher at NGC in this category.</p><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 John W. Dannreuther (2018) providing an even more aggressive estimate of just 10 to 12 survivors. Seldom encountered with any degree of Cameo contrast, this dazzling specimen from our earlier sale of the Zito Collection is an important find.</p> PCGS# 87894. NGC ID: 287N. NGC Census: 2; 2 finer (Proof-65 Cameo finest). From our sale of the Dr. Paul and Rosalie Zito Collection, Spring 2022 Auction, April, lot 4010. Acquired July 8, 1997.
