Lot 353
1895. PCGS graded MS-67 PQ. CAC Approved. A fully white gem. Tied for finest graded at PCGS. The 1895 is the rarest Philadelphia Mint issued Barber dime. Only 690,000 business strikes were made. The coin has long been considered a semi-key date within the series which ran from 1892 until 1916. Possibly fewer than one hundred are known today in the various Uncirculated grades. And like other scarce-date Barber Dimes, Mint State survivors appear to be bunched in a group where MS63-64 coins predominate.
The streaming white luster is satiny and consistent. A well struck and swirling Superb Gem that has carefully preserved surfaces. This year is rarely seen at coin shows in even minimal BU grades, let alone looking as if it had just landed in the collection bin from the minting press! That said, we next cover a key feature, the strike: this 1895 MS67, unlike many Barber Dimes (and especially those from the branch mints), was struck with almost scientific precision on the portrait and leaves, the headband with its strong LIBERTY, and all legends. The wreath on the reverse, which follows closely the one designed by Longacre for the Seated coinage but in updated form on the Barber dime, is itself carefully struck, with no suggestion or even a whisper of weakness. Razor-sharp, in other words. Pop 4; none finer at PCGS (PCGS # 4806) .
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
|
| |
| Realized $30,550 |
