1877 Twenty-Cent Piece. Proof-66 (PCGS).
Simply outstanding quality for this low mintage, key date issue in the brief and challenging twenty-cent series. Both sides are richly and attractively toned, the obverse with a gentle mottling of olive-russet and pewter-gray. The reverse shows a more even blend of steel-gray, antique copper and silver-gray from the border to the center. The strike is full, the surfaces close to pristine, and vivid undertones are present adding to the eye appeal. Introduced in 1875, by the following year the twenty-cent piece had already proved a failure in commercial channels. As such, the Mint suspended circulation production in 1876, although Proof coinage for collectors continued for two more years through 1878. With only 510 coins struck, the Proof-only 1877 is the rarest date in this brief series. Far finer than the typical survivor in the Proof-60 to Proof-64 grade range, this premium quality Gem Proof specimen is a real treat for the advanced collector.
PCGS# 5305. NGC ID: 27H4.
PCGS Population: 16; with a single Proof-66+ finer in this category.
From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.

Estimate: $25000