1860 25C PCGS号5451

Ron Guth

The 1860 Quarter Dollar started off the new decade with a substantial mintage of over 800,000 pieces.  Back then, collectors had ample time to acquire nice examples, leaving numerous opportunities for today's collectors to purchase choice specimens.  The PCGS CoinFacts Condition Census consists entirely of MS65 and better examples, and at least a dozen or more examples have been certified by PCGS in each of the MS63, MS64, MS65 grades.  MS66 seems to be the terminal grade on the high end.  Fully struck examples are difficult to find, which may be a limiting factor for the grade.  Virtually all of the examples seen thus far have weakness on some to several of the obverse stars.  Luster ranges from bright and flashy to soft and creamy.  Collectors should look for well-struck examples with good luster and eye appeal -- coins like that should be worth a nice premium today and in the future.