1880 $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle PCGS PR64DCAM

Only 36 proof Liberty quarter eagles were struck in 1880, all struck from a single pair of dies (the reverse die had been used to strike proofs every year since 1877). This was the last year when gold proofs were only offered in sets. Unfortunately, the survival rate was fairly low and John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 14-18 examples in all grades. Specimens appear at auction about once every two years, on average.

The present coin is an attractive Select proof, with sharply detailed design elements throughout. The pleasing lemon-yellow surfaces include deeply reflective fields. A few minor marks and hairlines limit the grade. The reverse exhibits a wire rim around parts of the circumference. Overall eye appeal is outstanding.