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Images
courtesy of David
Lawrence Rare Coins
Authentication tips:
Obverse 1: The 1 is nearly perfectly centered over a denticle, and the 8 is centered over
the left side of a denticle.
Reverse 1: The boxy-shaped S is above the tops of R and D, and is just slightly closer to D than R.
Obverse 2: The 1 of the date is centered over the right side of a denticle, and the 8 is
centered over a denticle.
Reverse 2: The S is lower (about even with the tops of the letters) and slightly closer to R than D.
For a more in-depth look at
the diagnostics of authentic 1896-S Quarter Dollars, click
here.
Notes:
"1896 is a good year for
Barber quarters.
1896-S is one of the famous "three keys" to the
set. Though long known to be a key date, the 1896-S was underrated in mint
state until recently. Only 38 mint state coins are listed in the pop reports
[as of 1999] and some of these undoubtedly represent resubmissions. When you
also consider that not all of those certified will have nice "eye
appeal," you see why attractive specimens bring very strong premiums. A
select few 1896-S's come deeply proof-like. For these, you can throw away
the sheets!
Note that 1896-S is extremely rare above MS 65! In MS 66 and
above it is far scarcer than 1901-S.
Both 1896-P&S normally come with a strong strike."
The finest Uncirculated example graded by
PCGS is a single MS-66.
Recent appearances:
Net MS-62. Ex - Bowers
and Merena Galleries' Robert W. Schwan Collection Sale, October 26-27, 2000,
Lot 1230, unsold
Choice Brilliant Uncirculated and very close to the Gem category. Ex - Stack's "65th Anniversary Sale", October
17-19, 2000, Lot 776, plated, unsold
EF-40 Cleaned. Ex- Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s
"October 2000 Long Beach Sale", October 5-7, 2000, Lot 6785, not
illustrated, sold for $2300.00
EF-40, Cleaned. Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "Long
Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 5571, not illustrated,
sold for $862.50
About Very Fine. Ex -
Stack's "65th Anniversary Sale", October 17-19, 2000, Lot 777,
plated, sold for $718.75
VF-20. Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins &
Collectibles, Inc.'s "Benson Collection, Part I", February
16, 18-20, 2001, Lot 1648, illustrated, sold for $1,092.00
Good-6. Ex- Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s "October
2000 Long Beach Sale", October 5-7, 2000, Lot 6784, not
illustrated, sold for $310.50
Sources and/or recommended
reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, July 2003" by The
Professional Coin Grading Service
"The Complete Guide To Certified Barber Coinage" by David
& John Feigenbaum
Relevant collector
organizations:
Barber Coin Collectors'
Society
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