1902-S Barber Quarter, MS68 NGC The Sole best Certified

Description

1902-S 25C MS68 NGC. Ex: Eliasberg. This piece exhibits a remarkably bold strike for a San Francisco  issue, showing radiant luster and soft lavender-gray and greenish-gold toning over each side. The preservation is virtually perfect, as the lofty grade demands.
Population Data (7/14): When offered in Bowers and Merena's April 1997 sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, this piece was described as "A simply magnificent coin -- finer than any we have ever seen." It remains so today, as it is the single finest certified example of this elusive San Francisco issue, and in the next highest grade, MS67, is only trailed by three coins.
Heritage Commentary: The San Francisco Mint churned out little more than 1.5 million quarters in 1902, and while lower-grade pieces can be located with some searching, Gem or finer representatives are decidedly rare.
Consignor Commentary: The Eliasberg piece, magnificent, the finest certified. A sharp strike for a date which does not usually boast that feature, and lovely natural toning. No marks are present, but there are a few faint dark spots, most notably on the reverse rim above the first A in AMERICA.
Provenance: Purchased directly from the San Francisco Mint by J.M. Clapp (3/1902); John H. Clapp; Clapp Estate (1942), to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers and Merena, 4/1997), lot 1578; David Lawrence Rare Coins (10/1999).
Weight: 6.25 grams
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper