1896-S Barber Quarter. MS-65 (PCGS).Here is an outstanding example of this well known and eagerly sought key date Barber quarter. Both sides exhibit full satiny mint luster and the fields are noticeably semi-reflective. Essentially brilliant, only the lightest iridescent tinting is evident along the lower reverse border. The strike was delivered with pinpoint accuracy, calling forth full detail to all design elements. Expertly preserved and pristine in most areas, this lovely Gem stands tall among the Barber quarter highlights in this sale.<p>The 1896-S is the first of three key date issues in the Barber quarter series, with a mintage of just 188,039 pieces. Produced in an era when collecting mintmarked coinage was just beginning to gain momentum (Augustus G. Heatons <em>Treatise on Coinage of the United States Branch Mints</em> was published in 1893), most 1896-S quarters slipped quietly into circulation and remained there until worn out or lost. While low grade examples appear fairly regularly, problem free VF, EF and AU coins are highly elusive. Even rarer are Mint State survivors. The present Gem offers high grade and outstanding eye appeal and will be just right for an advanced collection of Barber coinage.<p>PCGS# 5615. NGC ID: 23Y9.PCGS Population: 7; 6 finer (MS-66 finest).From our Chicago ANA Auction of August 2015, lot 10092.
