1896 Barber Quarter. Proof-65+ Cameo (PCGS). CAC.
More than worthy of the coveted Cameo designation, the snow white frosty devices stand out boldly as islands against the brilliantly deep, near-black mirror finish in the fields. The finish is exquisite and fully appreciable in the absence of both toning and detracting blemishes. Silver was high on the minds of politicians in 1896, most especially William Jennings Bryan in his second run for president, who gave his famous "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic convention in July. The demand for Proof Barber quarters waned as the 1890s wore on, the production figures dropping somewhat thanks in part to the lingering effects of the Panic of 1893 and a lessening in contemporary numismatic interest. Only 762 Proofs were struck for the 1896, though due to improvements in die preparation cameo examples, as here, are encountered on a somewhat more frequent basis than for earlier issues. Overall, the Proof 1896 quarters are available, but mostly no finer than certified Proof-64, and they become quite challenging any finer. This gorgeous Gem Cameo specimen will readily find an appreciative home.
PCGS# 85682. NGC ID: 242B.

Estimate: $2200