1866 $2.50, CAM PR(PCGS#87892)

1866 $2.50, CAM PR (PCGS#87892)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: A significant numismatic rarity, and a lovely Gem Proof from a challenging era in the history of the Liberty Head quarter eagle series. Fully struck with razor sharp detail throughout the design, both sides also sport a nicely cameoed finish that contrasts reflective fields with softly frosted motifs. Beautiful deep rose-orange color, as well, the surfaces are further enhanced by delicate silvery overtones that further strengthen the originality. There are no post-production blemishes of note, leaving it to a shallow planchet flake (as made) in the obverse field between stars 6 and 8 to serve as a useful identifier for census and provenance purposes.<p>This is a rare date in the Liberty Head $2.50 series, and in both Proof and circulation strike formats. The mintage for the former is just 3,080 coins, while the Proofs saw a scant 30 pieces coined. Attrition affected the latter in the usual ways - melting of unsold examples and the loss of others through numismatic mishandling - and today fewer than 25 are known, perhaps as few as 14 to 16 (per John W. Dannreuther, <em>United States Proof Coins</em>, 2018 volume). Our first offering for a Proof 1866 $2.50 in two decades, the fleeting nature of this opportunity for advanced Proof gold enthusiasts cannot be overstated.