1877 25C Liberty Seated Quarter Dollar PCGS PR64CAM (CAC)

Here’s a rare, sparkling beauty to add to your collection. Icy devices contrast with deep, watery fields in this dramatic Cameo example. With a scant mintage of 510, this jewel could be the centerpiece of your collection. PCGS has graded 15 as PR64CAM with 23 finer. Collectors Universe gives this issue a price of $1,850.00 in PR64CAM. In CAC, there are 3 in PR64CAM with just 5 finer. CAC prices this issue at $1,500.00 PR64CAM.

The Seated Liberty design was a collaboration of several hands and minds before it appeared on the silver dollar and other coins. It was U.S. Mint Director Robert B. Patterson, who, in 1835, was desirous of a new coin that was reminiscent of Britannia on British copper. Artist Thomas Sully was tasked with crafting a rendering of Liberty based on a set of British coins and medals. Then Sully's work was given to the newly hired engraver, Christian Gobrecht, who created a series of drawings before producing a copper die for study and presentation in Washington, D.C.

An original sketch by Gobrecht of his iconic Seated Liberty. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

 When the new half dollars were produced, starting in 1839, they had an updated reverse that was a freshly engraved version of John Reich's 1807 eagle reverse design--sans the motto and ribbon. The year 1839 saw sculptor Robert Ball Hughes lower the relief, refine the proportions and dynamics of the Liberty, as well as add an eloquent fold of cloth from the right elbow. Thus the design as we know it today should really be called the "Patterson-Sully-Gobrecht-Hughes" design.