Lot 1436
1898. NGC graded MS-68. Star. CAC Approved. One of the highest graded non-proof Barber Quarters to exist. In addition, the colors are absolutely stunning. Charles E. Barber's coinage was made its debut in 1892 after a long span when the familiar Seated Liberty ruled the roost (1838-91). Barbers were coined yearly thereafter through 1916. Annual Proofs were what early collectors sought, however. For business strikes such as the present piece, we owe a salute of thanks to some long ago farsighted collector who had the temerity, the utter disdain for Proofs, to collect lowly circulation strikes. (Here we are speaking tongue in cheek.) This 1898 Barber Quarter is remarkable, alluring, and boasts fantastically lustrous surfaces whose sparkle beneath multicolored toning of varying depth brings out the full beauty of the piece like nothing else. Everything about the color is iridescent. One almost wants to say effervescent. And the portrait has a smooth clean cheek to go with the Liberty's bold, crisp relief. Consider it solidly struck, and essentially as fine any product the mint could make on its electric-motor operated coining presses back then. Its 1890s status adds to the appeal as the supreme type coin. Pop 1; none finer at NGC. Estimated Value $15,000-UP
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