Lot 1883
1890. PCGS graded Proof 65 Deep Cameo PQ. CAC Approved. During the decade from 1890 to 1900, the Philadelphia Mint excelled in creating some of the most beautiful proof gold and silver coinage ever seen, most with a highly desired cameo effect. On gold coins in particular, sometimes the fields enjoy a peculiar "orange peel" appearance, which is both highly reflective and textured at the same time, and the lettering and devices are well frosted by the dies. Creating these proofs took many steps: first the hardened high quality steel dies are dipped in either a weak acid or lightly sandblasted. This process created the dull, frosted devices, raised on the coin but in recess on the die. Next, the fields on the die are polished to a fine mirror-like finish, which gives the coins their unique reflectivity in the fields and contrast with the frosted devices. Only a few proofs were made each year, and sometimes the proof dies were later reused to create normal business strikes for general circulation as an economy measure.
By the end of the 1880s, collector interest in proof gold coinage was increasing, and the Mint produced some 93 proof quarter eagles in 1890, a rather substantial mintage for the era. About half of those pieces, however, are not known to survive, making extant specimens rare in any grade. This piece easily qualifies for the assigned Gem grade level in both sharpness of strike and overall preservation. Deeply reflective fields frame heavily frosted devices, beautifully showcasing the Deep Cameo contrast as stated by PCGS. Soft peach-gold color deepens slightly toward the borders adding to the visual appeal. Close examination with a loupe reveals a few microscopic spots and a couple of minor hairlines in the fragile fields; these being normal for the grade assignment. Pop 3; 5 finer, 3 in 66, 1 in 66+, 1 in 67. (PCGS # 97916) .
Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,000.
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