By CoinWeek ….
Basic U.S. commemoratives have been a favourite of coin collectors for generations, however among the rarer points are seldom seen at public sale. This Sunday, GreatCollections presents simply such a possibility: a toned 1893 Isabella Quarter Proof graded PF66 by NGC.
The 1893 Columbian Exposition Isabella Quarter
The Isabella Quarter, offered on the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois, was the second United States commemorative coin ever issued and the one quarter greenback denomination within the basic collection (1892-1954). The obverse encompasses a fictional portrait of the Spanish Queen Isabella I, co-ruler along with her husband King Ferdinand II and famously the royal patron of explorer Christopher Columbus. The reverse encompasses a kneeling lady holding a distaff of yarn together with the inscription “Board of Girl Managers” – the Board being a gaggle of socialites who labored with the exposition’s managers to advertise objects of curiosity to ladies. Each side of the coin had been designed and engraved by United States Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber, with George T. Morgan contributing a preliminary sketch for what would develop into the ultimate reverse.
Forty thousand enterprise strike cash had been struck for distribution, together with 23 items for assay. Numismatists usually quote a mintage of solely 103 Proofs (the primary 100 cash struck and coin numbers 400, 1492, and 1,892), however researchers have been unable to verify this or some other quantity in Mint information. Intriguingly, after nearly 40 years of operation, NGC and PCGS report decrease populations for the commemorative quarter than anticipated for a mere 103 Proofs struck towards the top of the nineteenth century.
The Isabella Quarter Proof is obtainable occasionally at public public sale and may carry a premium – particularly in Gem. The specimen provided this week is one in every of 4 examples graded Proof 66 by NGC with just one finer. And never solely is it in Gem situation however it additionally options firming on either side. It’s a darker crimson wine shade nearer to the rim on the obverse, although the identical shade might be seen within the crown and the folds of her gown. Spots of blueberry pepper the realm subsequent to and on the rim.
The firming takes on a burnt amber hue on the reverse, encircling the central motif and its mild golden tones.
On the time of publication, the very best of 21 bids in GreatCollection’s upcoming public sale of this Proof 66 1893 Isabella Quarter was $6,916.
* * *
To look by GreatCollection’s archive of over 600,000 licensed cash and notes the corporate has offered, please go to the GreatCollections Auction Archives.
* * *