1888 $2.50 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle NGC PR66UCAM

The sophisticated numismatist with the necessary resources may want to take a close look at this listing. This small golden treasure was one of only 97 pieces struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1888; there must not have been many collectors back then in the market for proof gold pieces. It is estimated that only 50 examples have survived to our time.

NGC has graded one piece as PF66 Ultra Cameo with just two finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $57,500 in PF66UC. Ron Guth writes of this issue in PCGS Coinfacts:

Times have certainly changed and any coin with a mintage of less than 100 pieces is considered a great rarity today. At least half of the known examples of the Proof 1888 Quarter Eagles have been certified by either PCGS or NGC, giving us a good [look] at how that population has survived. The typical proof 1888 Quarter Eagle grades PR64, with a slightly smaller number in PR63. These diminished grades usually are the result of surface hairlines or post-Mint damage caused by improper storage or handling. Gems are very rare and anything better than PR66 is a true condition-rarity.

Original sketch by James B. Longacre of his iconic Liberty head design. It sold via Heritage Auctions for $28,800.00 in August of 2022.