1897 25C Quarter Barber PCGS PR68CAM (CAC)

One of only 731 proofs struck—a then-series low, as collectors’ orders for proof sets shrank through the 1890s—and the 1897 is regarded as one of the better-produced dates in the series, a favorite for type. PCGS estimates some 650 survive in all grades, only about 200 of them Gem or better. A superb gem cameo at the very top of the issue: deeply mirrored fields against frosted devices, the contrast category in which this date is genuinely rare at PR68. Market anchors: the Simpson PR68+ Cameo CAC brought $36,000 at Heritage in May 2022; the plain-finish PR68 auction record is $13,200.

PCGS 3 in grade / 1 higher (the 68+) · CAC 4 stickered in grade / 0 higher · NGC 9 at PF68 Cameo / 0 finer