1899 Quarter Eagle $2.50 NGC PF67* Ultra Cameo. The coin that is displayed is an 1899 quarter eagle graded PF67 Ultra Cameo by NGC with the coveted Star designation. The Star designation identifies coins with exceptional eye appeal or characteristics that distinguish them from other coins of the same technical grade. In the case of this quarter eagle, the amazing contrast between the black surfaces and the gold devices is truly extraordinary. This coin is well deserving of the Star designation.

In 1834, the United States Mint began searching for a suitable design to serve as an enduring symbol on American gold coinage. That same year, Mint Engraver William Kneass designed a bust of Liberty for half eagles and quarter eagles that will come to be known as the classic head design. This design would eventually fade out after being modified several times as it was adapted from John Reich's old Classic Head motif, first used on large cents in 1808 and officials continued to press for a symbol of Liberty more suitable to the growing Republic. In 1838, Christian Gobrechts Coronet design would be employed on the eagle and a version of his design was used on the $2.5 quarter eagle in 1840.

The finalized design featured a large head of Liberty facing left, wearing a wide coronet inscribed with the word LIBERTY. Her hair is pulled back in a bun and held in place by a string of pearls. Thirteen stars are placed around the periphery, representing the original colonies, with the date below.

The eagle on the reverse was essentially the same one that had been on quarter eagles since 1808. Originally designed by John Reich, the 1840-1907 version was probably modified by Robert Ball Hughes. The heraldic eagle has its wings spread from rim to rim with the Union shield covering its breast. An olive branch representing the country's peaceful intentions is in the eagle's right claw, with three arrows emphasizing military preparedness in the left. The legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA surrounds the eagle, with the denomination 2 1/2 D. beneath the bird. Between 1840 and 1907, a total of 11,921,171 Coronet quarter eagles were struck at five mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco. Mintmarks can be found on the lower reverse beneath the eagle. An estimated 4,232 proofs were also coined. Often, proofs have frosted white devices that contrast sharply against deeply mirrored fields. These "cameo" proofs are very popular as type pieces. This brilliant finish continued until the end of the series in 1907, when Bela Pratt's sunken relief Indian Head design debuted, and the matte proofing process was adopted.

The design used on the quarter eagles from 1840-1907 is unrivaled by any other coin in American history. This time span stands as the as the longest uninterrupted use of a coin design without a major design alteration.