Collectors searching for 1871-CC quarter dollars know all so well the elusiveness of them. We estimate that only about 45 to 65 examples of this date-denomination survive in all grades, including the pieces whose problems disqualify them from receiving legitimate numeric grades. Experts agree that this is one of the scarcest date-denominations in all of U.S. silver coin series.

The PCGS G-6 specimen offered here shows all the usual signs of having circulated in commerce for numerous years, possibly many decades. The wear, in fact, suggests this coin saw heavy circulation. More than a handful of tiny, thin scratches abrade the surfaces. Only one will draw a person’s immediate attention. It runs diagonally on the upper left obverse field. It is in no way severe and it actually blends in quite well with this quarter’s overall “heavily used” appearance. Several dark to light shaded smudges and streaks roam the surfaces. The obverse’s lower left side appears slightly shadowed, as if caught right after sundown. The obverse gives full expression to the G-6 rating. The reverse would do the same except for the weakness displayed on the bottom. The weakness in this area is probably more commensurate with an AG-3 grade.

For collectors whose budget won’t tolerate an 1871-CC quarter dollar costing tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, this original looking piece will adequately fill a space in a set. CAC’s approval adds to the desirability.