LIKELY FINEST KNOWN 1873 OPEN 3 QUARTER EAGLE

Varieties of 1873-P quarter eagles are known with a Closed 3 and an Open 3. The former is the scarcer of the two but both are rare in Gem Uncirculated and all but unknown above MS66. The present example could well be the finest known 1873 Open 3 quarter eagle.

What is most noteworthy about this coin is its remarkable rich dusky orange-gold colors which are seen on both the obverse and the reverse; the latter side shows a blush of light rose at its center. The luster is extremely frosty while the detail is as sharp as on any 1870′s-dated quarter eagle that I have seen. A few small marks on Liberty’s chin appear to be mint-made and were a result of the striking process. This coin is really, truly beautiful with unrivaled eye appeal.

The other known PCGS/CAC MS66 1873 Open 3 quarter eagle sold for $23,500 as Heritage 2/14: 5513 and it had a noticeable obverse grease stain.

This coin deserves to be included in a world-class set of Liberty Head quarter eagles.

CAC has approved two in this grade with none finer.