Stack’s Bowers Galleries will feature a lovely Mint State 1867-S quarter dollar in its Rarities Night auction session at the official auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo in March. Warm amber-rose tones glow from the centers with deeper twilight hues in the peripheries. The fields are satiny and matte-like on each side, pleasantly smooth and untroubled. The obverse devices are bold, despite a softness to the border elements that is characteristic to this issue. Sharp reverse motifs harbor lustrous intricacies and there is mild evidence of die clashing (as made). Overall, the surfaces are very nice. The eye appeal of this Mint State rarity is truly extraordinary.
The 1867-S Liberty Seated quarter is a notable condition rarity, with examples above Extremely Fine elusive and Mint State survivors, like the present offering, virtually unobtainable. Forged during Reconstruction following the American Civil War, just 48,000 pieces were struck at the San Francisco Mint. Though low, this mintage figure does not accurately convey the scarcity of this issue, as it is more difficult to obtain than the 1866-S issue with a mintage of only 28,000 pieces.
PCGS has certified just seven Mint State 1867-S Liberty Seated quarters at all levels of preservation. It shares this grade with just one other piece, and is surpassed by just four coins through MS-67. Truly suited for an elite assemblage of Liberty Seated quarters or 19th century type coins, we anticipate fierce bidding activity when this lot crosses the auction block.
This important rarity will be offered alongside other treasures in our March 2016 Rarities Night session, held in conjunction with our Official Auction of the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Spring Expo in Baltimore. To consign to this sale, or any other of our auctions, please contact our offices today at 800-458-4646 to speak with a Consignment Director or visit StacksBowers.com.
