The Sunnywood Collection 的钱币相册
Type I Reverse. A magnificently toned prooflike business strike of the highest order. The quarter dollars of 1892 were manufactured at the Philadelphia, New Orleans and San Francisco facilities. Each location produced coinage bearing the original adopted reverse (Type I), as well as a revised version that appeared later in the year (Type II). The reverses are distinguished in several ways; among them is the visibility of the middle serif of the "E" in UNITED. On the Type I reverse, the eagle's wings are slightly smaller, and the serif protrudes visibly above the left-facing wingtip. On the Type II reverse, the eagle's wings are slightly enlarged for a more dramatic effect, and the serif is now covered. One can remember the sequence by the phrase, "Now you see it, now you don't." In general the Type I reverse issues are less readily located than Type II. The Sunnywood Collection also includes a spectacularly beautiful 1892 PCGS MS66 with the Type II reverse, a "must see" coin that can be found in our "additional pieces" supplemental Registry Set.
Type I Reverse. After searching for a suitable example of the Type I variety of this issue for quite some time, we are thrilled to add this gem New Orleans quarter to our collection. Original skin, excellent surfaces, and absolutely beautiful toning make this coin a natural fit for this set. Many thanks are owed to Mike Stefano of Jade Rare Coins, who had studied the notes to this Registry Set carefully enough to know that we were looking for an 1892-O Type I. Mike recognized "Sunnywood" visiting the Jade Rare Coins table at a Baltimore convention and mentioned that he had just placed this beautiful gem '92-O Type I quarter with a client. Mike kindly offered to try to broker a deal with his client to sell the coin to the Sunnywood Collection. This worked out well for all concerned, and the coin now happily resides here. Thanks again to Mike Stefano and Jade Rare Coins for this treasure !!
Type I Reverse. A lovely original piece with attractive tones of blue and green over gold. Heritage, 2006 FUN Signature Sale, Lot 3160. Be sure also to see the beautiful Type II reverse example in our "additional pieces" registry set, which can be found at about #9 on the PCGS current finest list.
Like many issues in this series, the 1893 quarter is more difficult in gem than is generally realized, particularly if one is looking for a PQ gem with nice surfaces and attractive original toning. According to our notes, Sunnywood has examined at least eight different MS65 and MS66 examples since 2001, with the present gem being the finest we have seen (and in our opinion, MS66 quality). All 1893 quarters from all Mint locations have the Type II reverse. The Type I design never appears again after 1892.
A beautiful original coin with light splashes of attractive color over excellent surfaces. Undervalued at this quality level, and we doubt the MS66 pop at PCGS really represents seven distinct coins, as we have only seen two !! Heritage, Dallas Signature Sale (10/20/06:949).
A beautiful original coin with light splashes of attractive color over excellent surfaces. Undervalued at this quality level, and we doubt the MS66 pop at PCGS really represents seven distinct coins, as we have only seen two !! Heritage, Dallas Signature Sale (10/20/06:949).
Like the 1900-O and 1913 in the Sunnywood Collection, our 1893-S quarter previsouly graced the wonderful collections of both Glenn Church and John Hugon. This beautiful example is aglow with semi-prooflike surfaces and contrast. It is a tribute to this coin that no finer specimen could be located by any of Church, Hugon or Sunnywood.
This meticulously produced, carefully preserved, and beautifully toned specimen epitomizes the quality and eye appeal that collectors strive for. We also owned another 1894 PCGS MS66 with beautiful original toning, which was placed (along with many other duplicate Barber quarters from Sunnywood) in the collection of our friend Dr. Steven Duckor. It was so hard to choose which one to keep, and which one to part with !! A rare treat from Heritage's 2005 ANA Signature Sale, Lot 6053.
This coin appeared in a Centennial Auctions session in New Hampshire, in an old New England Rare Coin Galleries holder, graded "Superb Gem Uncirculated MS68" by NERCG. While perhaps not MS68 by today's accepted standards, the fresh appearance and beautiful toning would place this coin at the very upper end of the MS66 grade.
This coin appeared in a Centennial Auctions session in New Hampshire, in an old New England Rare Coin Galleries holder, graded "Superb Gem Uncirculated MS68" by NERCG. While perhaps not MS68 by today's accepted standards, the fresh appearance and beautiful toning would place this coin at the very upper end of the MS66 grade.
This stunning coin was catalogued by David Akers in 1990 as follows: "An incredibly beautiful coin with medium (on the reverse) to deep (on the obverse) multicolored iridescent toning that really must be seen to be fully appreciated. The strike is absolutely full and the lustre under the toning radiates through. Only one other 1894-S quarter has been graded as high as MS66 by NGC (none by PCGS) and it is hard for us to imagine a finer or prettier specimen than this one." Ex David Akers, Auction '90 (8/11/90:1581, $7250) as NGC MS66. The coin also made appearances with similarly glowing catalog descriptions at Heritage, ANA Signature Sale (7/26/03:6994, $12075) as PCGS MS66; and ANR, The Pevehouse/Davis Collections (10/11/04:345, not sold). Incidentally, in our opinion this coin is absolutely superior to the recently made second MS67 by PCGS, which we have seen. We doubt there is any finer 1894-S quarter, but PCGS tends to hold back coins with deep rich toning.
A remarkably fresh and lustrous example, this superb gem 1895 quarter brought a then unprecedented runaway price at the Heritage 2003 ANA Signature Sale (7/29/03:6995, $18975). This coin was formerly in the personal collection of numismatic titan Jim Halperin, who grades it MS68. Easily a candidate for finest known honors, as we have seen the other two PCGS MS67 coins, and neither compares with this one.
Although known to be a tough date, the 1895-O quarter is nonetheless underrated as compared with its New Orleans brethren of 1896 and 1898. In fact, the 1895-O quarter deserves the respect accorded the other denominations of that year and Mint. Needless to say, in MS67, the coin is a great prize. ANR, Drew St. John Sale (6/24/05:1520).
Another underrated date, the 1895-S quarter reminds us of the similarly difficult Morgan dollar of the same year and mintmark. An unqestionably original toned gem. Heritage, Dallas Signature Sale (12/13/05:649).
A beautiful example of this earlier Philadelphia issue that is a lovely match to the superb 1895 qurater of the same grade. The colors of the two coins are quite similar, although the 1895 has superior luster and presence. From the collection of Dale Friend, a superb set of originally and beautifully toned pieces which took many years to assemble, and was sold off in August 2007.
Here is a frosty lustrous survivor of this challenging issue. The untoned surfaces present as fully brilliant, while the devices are well articulated. A few abrasions here and there on the portrait limit the grade. This coin appeared in the collections of both Dale Krueger and Dale Friend, and was previously owned by Sunnywood as well. We were happy to welcome it back into our collection in 2007.
Here is a frosty lustrous survivor of this challenging issue. The untoned surfaces present as fully brilliant, while the devices are well articulated. A few abrasions here and there on the portrait limit the grade. This coin appeared in the collections of both Dale Krueger and Dale Friend, and was previously owned by Sunnywood as well. We were happy to welcome it back into our collection in 2007.
The Barber quarter series has many semi-keys and stoppers in gem. However, three dates have always been acknowledged as the keys to the series for their overall rarity in all grades: 1896-S, 1901-S, and 1913-S. This condition census representative of the first key date Barber quarter exhibits many of the features of an early strike: crisp details, high relief, semi-prooflike surfaces, raised die polish striations, and light cameo contrast. A true and solid gem, this coin is held back only by some parallel lines visible under magnification across the portrait, likely the notorious planchet roller marks that are found on many products of the San Franciso Mint during this period and the subsequent decade. Nonetheless, this example stands well above the other PCGS MS65 that we have seen in terms of strike, luster, eye appeal, and overall quality. Ex Heritage, Long Beach Signature Sale (6/1/06:1385); Legend Numismatics.
An attractively toned premium gem, here is an issue not found in the Eliasberg Collection. The same can be said of all the P-mint business strikes from 1892 through 1915. Eliasberg collected only the proofs for those years in which proofs were made. The practice of considering proofs and business strikes to be separate issues evolved after the famed Eliasberg Collection was completed. Heritage, 2006 FUN Signature Sale
Part of the difficult run of Barber quarters from the New Orleans mint, the 1897-O is an exceptionally challenging issue in gem. The present example has as much eye appeal as any seen. Sparkling luster and a precisely detailed strike are augmented by attractive toning, giving the look of a superb gem. Only one notable abrasion at about 9 o'clock on the obverse keeps this coin from a substantially higher grade. From RARCOA, a company that was once quite prominent both in auctions and in Barber coinage.
A beautiful original coin, exactingly struck, and with subtle iridescent toning that comes to life under appropriate lighting. The 1897-S and 1898-S are perhaps the most underrated dates in this series, both quite difficult to locate in all grades, and particularly so in full gem. Ex Dale Friend.
A monster 1898 quarter, with superb surfaces and deep beautiful original color. The reverse is particularly compelling, but the obverse stands out beautifully as well. This coin appeared at auction in a first generation NGC MS67 holder, and was regraded MS68 by NGC shortly thereafter. However, the Sunnywood Collection is 100% certified by PCGS (among other reasons, we appreciate PCGS's consistency and accuracy, and we prefer to have all matching holders), so we endured the one point downgrade to get the coin into a PCGS holder. Ah, the games we must play!! Perhaps someday the coin will be accorded the MS68 grade by PCGS as well. [NGC MS68]
The single finest example graded by PCGS, this coin features exceptionally flawless surfaces, including Miss Liberty's cheek, under attractive original and colorful toning. An irreplaceable superb gem. This coin is also a good example of how a set evolves. Our first 1898-O was a beautiful PCGS MS65 with blue and gold secondary toning. This was replaced by a lustrous original PCGS MS66 with peripheral toning that came out of a Stack's auction raw. That coin had superb arm's length eye appeal, but it did sport some light scratches on the portrait visible under magnification. When this MS67 came along, we reluctantly gave up the other two; but we are happy to have this definitive and beautiful example.
This issue proves to be extremely difficult to locate in gem, much moreso than is commonly thought. A close look at the pops at both services confirms this assertion; the '98-S equals or bests almost every other date in the series for scarcity in mint state and in gem. In fact, this issue is difficult to locate in all grades. The 1898-S has Sunnywood's vote for "most underrated date" in the series. An attractive, beautifully toned piece such as the present gem is really a rare find for the BQ enthusiast. Ex Dale Friend; previously from Heritage, 2005 ANA Signature Sale (8/05:6058).
Like many dedicated collectors, we are never content with our sets, and there is always the fascination of searching for upgrades. That means that it is not enough to own an MS66. One must have seen or owned as many of the MS66's as possible, in order to find the best one. That's why a coin like this is such a pleasure; we know it is among the very best MS66's in existence. Beautiful original surfaces and attractive toning that likely accrued during decades of undisturbed storage mark this outstanding gem. Heritage, Dallas Signature Sale (10/29/06:957).
This coin at first presents as an untoned example, and one might conclude that it has therefore been dipped. However, like the 1895-O quarter in this set, upon closer inspection one sees a thick and original skin of luster and subtle toning. Although not as notorious as its "O"-mint predecessors, the 1899-O is another very tough date in this premium gem condition. From David Hall Rare Coins; previously from the outstanding Barber quarter collection of Dale Krueger.
This coin at first presents as an untoned example, and one might conclude that it has therefore been dipped. However, like the 1895-O quarter in this set, upon closer inspection one sees a thick and original skin of luster and subtle toning. Although not as notorious as its "O"-mint predecessors, the 1899-O is another very tough date in this premium gem condition. From David Hall Rare Coins; previously from the outstanding Barber quarter collection of Dale Krueger.
A nice original example with attractive toning that includes some emerald green at the obverse periphery. This coin displaced an attractively toned MS65 from our set. Either coin is a prize, as this issue proves to be yet another tough branch mint coin in the Barber quarter series. While perhaps not quite as tough as the 1897-S and 1898-S, the '99-S is nonetheless a challenge to locate in gem. From our friends at Pinnacle Rarities.
Type II Reverse. Here is another beautifully toned original coin. As in 1892, the reverse hub underwent a design revision in 1900 resulting in two reverse types produced at each mint that year. (You can find a Type III reverse example with accompanying notes in our "Additional Pieces" Registry set.) As often happens, this coin appeared on the market in an NGC MS67 holder; yet we were not convinced the coin would cross to PCGS MS67. When this happens, one sometimes ends up paying a price between the values of 66 and 67. And sure enough, the coin was holdered as a 66 by PCGS. In the end, however, we are happy to own the coin regardless of the holdered grade, and we consider it to be a very high-end MS66. [NGC MS67]
Type II Reverse. This spectacular coin was featured in the Barber quarter collections of both Glenn Church (as NGC MS66) and John Hugon (as NGC MS67*). While we do not always agree with NGC, and have often accepted one-point downgrades on crossover, we do strongly believe that this particular coin belongs in an MS67 holder at any grading service. Ex Glenn J. Church; Heritage FUN Signature Sale (1/5/01:6957) as NGC MS66; John Hugon; Heritage FUN Signature Sale (1/15/05:4125, $10062.50) as NGC MS67*. Previously ex Stack's, Public Auction Sale (5/89:933, $8250) as uncertified, proving that some coins don't need a slab to have value.
Type III Reverse. Any Barber quarter in superb gem condition is a treasure, so we were quite lucky to find this specimen of the 1900-S issue to add to our set. Barely perceptible light toning covers a thick skin of frosty mint luster. Only a few wispy abrasions can be seen under magnification. Tied for finest known with the example in the E.H. Gardner Collection. From Heritage Coin Galleries via direct sale. (We are still looking for a suitable gem 1900-S quarter with the Type II reverse.)
Beautiful tones ranging from salmon and coral to deep burgundy distinguish the obverse of this premium gem, while the reverse features lesser hints of these colors. Like all Barber quarters dated 1901 and later, the reverse is Type III (see notes under 1900-P quarters). Heritage, Long Beach Signature Sale (2/9/06:967).
An absolutely beautiful coin with transcendent cerulean to cobalt blue and russet toning around lighter centers, and all the more special for being a premium gem example of another tough New Orleans issue as well. From the collection of John Hugon, and prominently featured in the January 2005 Heritage catalog of the Hugon Collection with full page color photos. An outstanding example that is a highlight of this collection.
The classic key to the series. While several dipped or conserved pieces have appeared on the market over the last few years, this coin is one of the extremely few original gem examples of this date to appear at auction in many years. With original lustrous "skin" and attractive light natural toning. The ultimate prize for any collector of this series, Sunnywood is proud to include this outstanding example in the collection. Ex Heritage, FUN Signature Sale, Platinum Night (1/3/07:919) in an older (circa 1995) PCGS MS65, which was for many years further encapsulated in a custom holder by rarities dealer Jay Parrino's "The Mint." The coin easily hammered north of MS66 levels, and was immediately regraded MS66 by PCGS. Legendary Barber expert David Akers commented that this coin would not look out of place in an MS67 holder.
The classic key to the series. While several dipped or conserved pieces have appeared on the market over the last few years, this coin is one of the extremely few original gem examples of this date to appear at auction in many years. With original lustrous "skin" and attractive light natural toning. The ultimate prize for any collector of this series, Sunnywood is proud to include this outstanding example in the collection. Ex Heritage, FUN Signature Sale, Platinum Night (1/3/07:919) in an older (circa 1995) PCGS MS65, which was for many years further encapsulated in a custom holder by rarities dealer Jay Parrino's "The Mint." The coin easily hammered north of MS66 levels, and was immediately regraded MS66 by PCGS. Legendary Barber expert David Akers commented that this coin would not look out of place in an MS67 holder.
This coin was until recently the only MS67 so graded by PCGS. While we do not normally prefer white coins, this example is so extraordinarily well struck, lustrous and virtually flawless, that even the MS67 grade seems inadequate. From the extraordinary Foxfire Collection type set.
Another extraordinary toned "O" mint quarter in the tradition of our 1900-O and 1901-O quarters. The distinctive obverse is overlaid by turqoise and aquamarine toning in a woodgrain pattern, while the reverse sports classic beautiful album toning. From Legend Numismatics.
A deeply toned example of this San Francisco issue. The 1902-S is not as rare as its illustrious predecessor or the "S" mints before 1901. However, like all branch mint Barber quarters before 1906, this is nonetheless a tough issue. From Delaware Valley Rare Coin Company.
The P-mint quarters from 1901 to 1905 are probably underrated in gem. The 1903 is possibly the toughest in the group, particularly at this high level. While we would prefer a more colorful example, this coin is the finest we have encountered thus far.
Long respected as a better date, the 1903-O continues the parade of tough New Orleans quarters. We have had the good fortune to see all four PCGS MS66 examples (there are in fact four distinct coins so graded), as well as the one excellent PCGS MS67, and we still found this coin to be the preferred example in the group.
A very appealing representative of the issue, this coin features bright luster, clean surfaces, some attractive toning, and a reasonably good strike, particularly on the obverse. Like many branch mint issues in this series, the '03-S is not considered particularly difficult - until one actually tries to locate an appealing gem example !!
"Premium gem" has become the accepted verbal designation for coins graded MS66, and that fits here. Untoned and well struck, this coin sports flashy luster when viewed under a suitable light source. However, as we love beautifully toned coins, Sunnywood recently acquired a gorgeously colored and lustrous MS65 that will soon be imaged in our "Additional pieces" Registry set. Sometimes it is difficult to choose between a higher grade white coin, and a lower grade beautifully colored coin !!
Here is another tough date, and this is a beautiful lightly toned example. Sunnywood admits that he prefers the magnificently toned Hugon piece, graded PCGS MS67, that currently resides in the fabulous collection of Eugene H. Gardner. OK, we know it isn't polite to covet your neighbor's property !!! So in the meanwhile, we'll content ourselves to be satisfied with this moderately toned solid gem.
Here is another tough date, and this is a beautiful lightly toned example. Sunnywood admits that he prefers the magnificently toned Hugon piece, graded PCGS MS67, that currently resides in the fabulous collection of Eugene H. Gardner. OK, we know it isn't polite to covet your neighbor's property !!! So in the meanwhile, we'll content ourselves to be satisfied with this moderately toned solid gem.
One of three PCGS MS66 specimens that have been owned by Sunnywood, this coin edged out the other two by having the cleanest surfaces, including Miss Liberty's cheek. It also features a nice strike and attractive toning. However, we will remain on the lookout for the definitive specimen - the lone PCGS MS68, which we have never encountered except on the pop reports !!
This date has traditionaly been considered very tough, along with the 1901-O and 1903-O. The 1902-O and 1904-O complete a difficult run of New Orleans issues. As with other dates in the series, the pops have risen in recent years as more coin come out of the woodwork ... and perhaps all are not equally meritorious. The present specimen leaves no room for doubt of its originality or eye appeal. The obverse is very strong for the grade, perhaps bordering on MS67. The reverse is somewhat more weakly struck (not atypically for a new Orleans issue), and features colorful toning but also one prominent carbon spot. In this case, the weaker reverse probably prevents an upgrade. Ex Dale Krueger, whose wonderful collection of Barber quarters was auctioned by Heritage in June 2000.
This date has traditionaly been considered very tough, along with the 1901-O and 1903-O. The 1902-O and 1904-O complete a difficult run of New Orleans issues. As with other dates in the series, the pops have risen in recent years as more coin come out of the woodwork ... and perhaps all are not equally meritorious. The present specimen leaves no room for doubt of its originality or eye appeal. The obverse is very strong for the grade, perhaps bordering on MS67. The reverse is somewhat more weakly struck (not atypically for a new Orleans issue), and features colorful toning but also one prominent carbon spot. In this case, the weaker reverse probably prevents an upgrade. Ex Dale Krueger, whose wonderful collection of Barber quarters was auctioned by Heritage in June 2000.
A beautiful original piece with soft rose-gray tones in the centers giving way to beautiful pale blues at the periphery. The colors are more pronounced on the reverse. This coin replaced the beautiful target-toned example that now resides in our "additional pieces" Registry set. In making this replacement, Sunnywood is following in the footsteps of Dale Friend, who also owned both of these coins, and similarly replaced the target-toned piece with the present superior MS66 example. Great minds think alike !! Ex Dale Friend (8/9/07).
The obverse of this 1906 quarter offers light original color over strongly lustrous surfaces. The reverse shows less toning, undoubtedly due to the type of album in which the coin was once stored. There is some weakness in the strike on the reverse, most noticeable in the horizontal shield lines on the dexter (right-facing) side of the coin. The upper right corner of the shield, along with the eagle's dexter talon and correponding arrow feathers, are often the areas of weakest detail on the reverse of this series.
We had a tough time deciding which of three beautiful MS66 examples to put in the set. The first was the Church-Hugon coin, which features fantastic pale mint green and blue toning on the obverse, but also has an obverse pinscratch and a weak strike on the reverse. That coin was in the Sunnywood set for two years before we replaced it with the present specimen. Then along came the Dale Friend specimen, with beautiful secondary toning, and just a few small lines and marks on the cheek. We were tempted to make a switch again, but instead we stuck with the present coin for its cleaner surfaces. The coin is pleasantly toned, although not quite as colorful as either the Church-Hugon coin or the Friend coin, but overall we gave it the edge. Sometimes you just can't have everything in one coin, and it becomes difficult to make a choice !!
Other than the common 1892 and 1916-D quarters, this date has the highest PCGS population in superb gem, with five pieces graded MS67 (and none higher). We have seen two other PCGS MS67 offered, and so we can only report that the pop represent a minimum of three distinct pieces. Of those, we strongly preferred this example for its clean surfaces and beautiful color. This coin hails from the important collection of John Hugon.
It's always a thrill to own a pop 1/0 coin, at least until another one is made !! Regardless of the holder, however, this coin is just "all there" and was a natural choice for Sunnywood's set. One carbon spot on the reverse is the only distraction; otherwise there is very little to quibble with in terms of strike, luster, clean surfaces, and overall appeal.
The '07-D is one of the more underrated dates in the series, particularly in gem quality with eye appeal. It is a poorly produced issue, and despite the pops, we have seen precious few to choose from. In the earlier days of assembling this set, we were shown a gorgeous PCGS MS66 at a price that we thought was too high (we didn't know any better). We passed on that coin, and have never seen it or its equal again. That is a good lesson; when real quality comes along, you should always step up and buy it. At the time, however, we had no idea how difficult this date would prove to be. Here is a nice gem example with attractive toning and a typical strike for the issue.
A completely original and essentially flawless monster with thick original skin and attractive deeply colorful toning. Easily the finest of the four distinct PCGS MS67's, all of which we have seen in the marketplace over the last several years.
A beautiful album-toned coin, formerly in the collection of Glenn Church, which was auctioned by Heritage in January 2001. The colorful toning pattern is a beautiful example of "secondary album toning," which occurs when a bright dipped coin is placed in an album and left undisturbed for many years. The result is bright colors surrounding untoned brilliant centers. Although naturally toned, such coins are arguably not as "original" as some other examples. nonetheless, they are often extremely attractive and entirely acceptable in the numismatic marketplace.
After owning three different PCGS MS66 examples of this date (and not having been satisfied with any of them), it was a pleasure to find this unimprovable superb gem. The 1908-P does not generally come with flashy luster; the same can be said for the 1910. This coin is about as good as it gets !! Ex Dale Friend.
We love this coin !!! Just a spectacular example, crisply struck (especially for a Denver issue) with prooflike surfaces and cameo contrast under a gorgeous layer of colorful toning. The coin almost appears to have a "specimen striking" quality. Only the 11th star lacks radials, as often happens with this design; that star lies opposite the right-facing wingtip, which depletes the metal flow into star eleven. A note regarding the condition census for the issue: PCGS has graded none higher than 66, while the NGC Census shows 4 in 67 and one in 68. However, we have seen two of the highest graded NGC coins, and stand by our coin as being completely and utterly superior. Despite the numerical differences, we would confidently submit this coin as being a candidate for finest known. We hope and expect to see this coin stand alone as a pop 1/0 PCGS MS67 in due time.
Bettered by only one MS67 at PCGS, this well-produced '08-O offers beautiful original surfaces layered with pewter patina offset by shades of cobalt and pale blues, russet, orange and mint green toning.
Yet another underrated rarity in gem condition, this 1908-S offers attractive pale rose and sky blue toning. The MS68 in the Hugon collection was of course technically superior, but we have never seen a prettier example than the present coin. From Scotsman Auctions (7/8/05:677).
A nice PQ coin that is dominated by attractive and colorful toning, this 1909 quarter has the hallmarks of long storage in an album or envelope. The toning is darkest at the perimeter, and includes concentric rings of orange and green hues, somewhat reminiscent of our 1915-D quarter.
While not fully struck (as is typical of the Denver issues in this series until 1914), this 1909-D quarter features extraordinarily clean superb surfaces, fully deserving of the MS67 grade.
An absolute monster for the date with beautiful color on both obverse and reverse over lustrous clean surfaces. PCGS has only graded four coins MS65, and three in MS66 with none higher. NGC has done five in MS65, and one coin each in MS66 and MS67. The 1909-O may have the lowest combined pop in gem of any date in the series. The present example at least equals the Eliasberg-Hugon PCGS MS66. We have not seen the NGC MS67, which resides in the collection of Eugene H. Gardner, but it would very difficult to imagine a prettier or more desirable example than this one !! From the esteemed collection of Dale Friend, who considered this coin his favorite in the set; earlier from the Dale Krueger set, which had many beautiful pieces.
A beautiful and high quality example of the 1909-S with pastel toning enhanced by peripheral highlights of bright orange. We firmly believe that the published PCGS population of 15 examples at the MS66 level has been inflated by resubmissions. This is certainly the type of coin that one might be tempted to resubmit to the grading services.
A technically superb example previously part of the John C. Hugon Collection. While this coin has somewhat muted luster, Barber expert David Akers points out that it is typical for 1910 quarters and halves to be lacking in flash, while other dates such as 1911 and 1912 may be quite flashy. No-one knows what was done differently at the Mint in each year to produce such characteristics. From Legend Numismatics.
With green and orange hues on a lustrous obverse, this relatively difficult date hails from ANR's Prescott Collection Sale of Jan. 2006, as NGC MS66.
This flashy white 1911 quarter rates a "hands down" MS67 on the obverse, but is unfortunately held back by one prominent hit on the horizontal shield lines of the reverse. Nonetheless, a more desirable specimen would be extremely difficult to locate.
An outstandingly beautiful album-toned piece, said to have come from a complete set of MS Barber quarters assembled by a Texas collector in the 1950's. The set lay in undisturbed storage in an old-style coin album for decades. A small Texas dealer selected this 1911-D as the prettiest coin in the whole set, and offered it for sale uncertified. The dedicated specialist must occasionally be willing to take the risk of buying an uncertified coin. In this case it was a rewarding purchase; a prettier 1911-D quarter cannot be located in any grade.
Not too long ago, there was only one 1911-S quarter graded MS67 by PCGS, which we owned as part of a three-piece matched 1911-S Barber mint set. Shortly thereafter, the present specimen became the second coin to be so designated by PCGS. Now there are four, a reminder that population alone cannot be the basis of valuation, as the pops keep growing and changing. The present coin has prooflike mirrors layered with highly colorful toning and natural patination, and is well deserving of the superb gem grade.
Here is a candidate for finest known. The superb surfaces of this pop 1/0 gem are bursting with fresh luster. The obverse is framed by a peripheral charcoal patina around the rim, which highlights the bright centers. NGC has also done one coin graded MS67, which we have not seen.
While not quite the ultimate '12-S that we hope to find someday, this untoned example offers a reasonably good strike, nice luster, and relatively clean surfaces. In general, throughout this series, the "S" and "P" mint issues seem to be better produced (in terms of strike and luster) than the "O" and "D" mint coins.
This showstopper was featured in the collections of Glenn Church (as PCGS MS66) and John Hugon (as PCGS MS66). Previously ex David Akers, Akers/RARCOA 1991 Chicago Sale, (1991:446, $8250) uncertified. The most recent auction appearance was Heritage, ANA 2005 Platinum Night Sale (7/28/05:10182, $25300) as PCGS MS67.
Likethe '07-D and '10-D, this Denver issue seems to come poorly produced, as we had quite a time finding an acceptable gem example. The current piece displays pleasing delicate original toning, and a well above average strike. This is another underrated issue, although to a lesser degree than the '07-D and '10-D quarters.
A really pleasing frosty superb gem example of this key date, with beautiful subtle pastel blue and rose tones accenting the silvery surfaces, this coin was recently called "the best there is" by David Akers. Despite a slight tick on the portrait, and what appears to be a small squiggly lint mark on the horizontal shield lines, the remarkably fresh and vibrant luster and otherwise undisturbed surfaces do solidly justify the MS67 designation, and even the Hugon MS68 is not a prettier coin than this piece. Ex Jay Parrino; Dr. Steven Duckor; Dale Friend; Sunnywood. The Duckor pedigree is still noted on the insert. (Dr. Duckor and his wife are known for their "Hall of Fame" all-time finest collection of Barber halves, as well as glorious sets of Saint-Gaudens $20 and Indian $10 gold coinage, among other collecting accomplishments. More recently, Dr. Duckor has happily returned to Barber quarters with the intent of building a complete set of business strikes.)
We preferred this example to the other PCGS MS67, which was offered by Pinnacle earlier in 2007; as well as the sole NGC MS67, offered by David Lawrence Rare Coins in 2006. Therefore, we consider this coin to be a candidate for the finest known honors for the issue. The P-mint business strike have always taken a back seat to the proofs and the branch mint business strikes. However, at the MS67 level, all of the P-mints become a great challenge, and present with lovely eye appeal.
Here's a nice, clean, relatively untoned example of this issue, with a strike that is much above average for the Denver mint. While perhaps not as tough as the earlier Denver quarters, the '14-D often comes with a somewhat weak strike, and/or not much eye appeal. The present coin is a nice exception, although of course we hope a beautifully toned MS67 will come along someday.
A monster '14-S, previously graded MS67 by NGC. This coin hammered at $17000 in the January 2006 Heritage FUN Signature Sale (Lot 2407). It had previously appeared in a Stack's sale, catalogued as follows: "1914'S' Superb Gem Brilliant Uncirculated. This unblushing silver-white ultra-Gem is certainly the finest San Francisco Quarter of this historic date known today, fully lustrous and wonderfully free of marks of any description. One of 264,000 struck, a minuscule mintage compared to the larger productions that were so typical of the Barber series. This is the finer of two coins rated MS67 by NGC; no Quarter of this date has been certified higher than MS-67 by either NGC or PCGS, reinforcing this glittering coin's ranking in the world of highest-quality examples."
A premium gem with light gold and ivory toning, this coin is the finest example we have found thus far. This is not surprising, as there are no examples graded higher at PCGS; but we won't stop looking until we've seen all the other MS66's too !!
A fantastic example of this otherwise common late-date barber quarter. The clean surfaces place this coin at the high end of the assigned grade, but it's the incredible toning that makes this '15-D an extraordinary example of the issue.
Here is another of our several flashy white monsters. Some white coins are just so superb that they must be acquired despite the lack of attractive colorful toning. The 1902, 1914-S, 1915-S and 1916-D in this set are all extremely compelling coins. This '15-S has screaming luster cartwheeling over powerfully struck and virtually perfect surfaces. Almost surely the finest known of the date, or at least tied for that honor.
Here is an exceptionally clean Barber quarter blanketed in soft tones of amber and orange, with additional hints of mint green on the obverse, and purple and rose on the reverse. This coin was good enough to displace from our set the Eliasberg 1916-P. (The Eliasberg coin has interesting historic value as the only P-mint business strike in the Eliasberg Collection; his other P-mints were all proofs.)
This superb gem untoned '16-D has slammin' frosty luster, a sharp strike, and extremely clean surfaces. A white coin needs to be really compelling to find a place in this set, as the owner generally prefers colorfully toned coins with original undipped surfaces. Sometimes though, a coin is just so awesome that you have to include it in the set !!! Only the monster white 1902 quarter in this set can rival this electric glacier. Thanks to our friends at Legend Numismatics, who provided both the 1902 and this '16-D.