1866 25C MOTTO MS63 PCGS CAC

The 1866 Liberty Seated Quarter with Motto represents the first Philadelphia Mint quarter struck after the addition of the IN GOD WE TRUST motto to United States coinage, a design modification implemented in the aftermath of the Civil War. An extremely popular date for Date Sets, this coin was struck from a modest mintage of just 16,800 circulation strikes, the issue emerged during a transitional period when silver coinage had still not fully returned to everyday commerce in the eastern and midwestern United States despite the war having ended the year prior. As a result, the 1866 quarter is scarce in all grades and especially elusive in Mint State, where examples are seldom encountered and were assigned a Rarity-5+ rating by Larry Briggs. With an estimated survival of roughly 400 pieces across all grades, well-preserved examples such as this PCGS-graded MS63 specimen with CAC approval are highly sought after by Liberty Seated specialists. Visually, the coin offers outstanding eye appeal, displaying vibrant, naturally developed toning that blankets both sides in an impressive spectrum of cobalt blue, turquoise, violet, and fiery copper-orange hues. The surfaces appear well preserved for the assigned grade, showing only minor marks that would perhaps appear consistent with MS64 or finer. Combining historical importance as the first Philadelphia Seated Quarter of the Motto design with vivid color and strong originality, this CAC-approved Mint State example would make an outstanding addition to any choice or gem Liberty Seated quarter collection. Considering how circulated examples like VF25 PCGS CAC sold for $2,220 12/19 HA, AU55 NON-CAC for $3,416 03/26 HA, we think all the Guides are off. This exact example sold from the Palos Verdes collection for $7,313 02/26 GC. 

Pedigree

ex Palos Verdes: $7,313 02/26 GC

PCGS Cert Verification #27941973

• PCGS Price Guide - $5,250
• PCGS POP - 8/14
• CAC POP - 2/10
• PCGS Coin# -5468