1911 $2.50 PR(PCGS#7960)

1911 $2.50 PR (PCGS#7960)

November 2017 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Lot Description: Choice Sandblast Proof 1911 Quarter Eagle 1911 Indian Quarter Eagle. Proof-63 (NGC). Handsome rose-orange surfaces exhibit the distinct fine grain sandblast finish for which this scarce Proof quarter eagle is known. Close inspection reveals myriad sparkling facets to the texture, yet little in the way of detracting blemishes. Fully struck and solidly in the Choice category, this endearing specimen would make an impressive addition to an advanced gold cabinet. The 1911 represents the Mint's return to the sandblast finish for Proof Indian quarter eagles after its brief experimentation with the satin (a.k.a. "Roman Gold") finish in 1909 and 1910. Only 191 pieces were produced, although it is the sign of the extreme rarity of the Proof Indian quarter eagle series as a whole that with upward of 150 coins believed extant, the 1911 is the most plentiful issue of the type after only the first year 1908. This is also a well preserved issue, with most survivors grading Choice Proof or finer. All of this adds up to one seemingly inevitable conclusion -- the present coin represents a particularly important find for the quality conscious Proof gold type collector. Proof gold specialists should also take note of this offering, of course, for given the scarcity of this issue when viewed in the wider context of today's numismatic market, offerings of attractive Proof 1911 two-and-a-halves come around only once in a while. PCGS# 7960. NGC ID: 289K.