1905 Quarter Eagle (1905 $2.50) PCGS PR63. This low mintage, 1905 Quarter Eagle proof has shiny devices and reflective surfaces. The surfaces are original and unmolested with moderate hairlines that are in keeping with the grade. The strike, as expected for a proof coin, is razor sharp with full details on the centers of the stars, Libertys hair, the eagles neck, the shield, and the area to the lower left of the shield.

Christian Gobrechts quarter eagle was produced without substantial modification from 1840 to 1907, the longest span in any United States coinage series. It uses the coronet motif, which shows Liberty facing left, her hair tied tightly in beads, except for two curls one down the back of her neck and the other on the side below her ear, with LIBERTY inscribed on the coronet. She is surrounded by thirteen stars, and the date is below the truncation. The reverse shows the heraldic eagle facing left holding arrows and olive branch it its talons. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arcs around it, interrupted by the wing tips, and the denomination 2 D., is below. The denomination is separated from the legend with dots. The weight remained the same, but the diameter was reduced from the previous issue to 18 millimeters.

The coinage act of 1865 specified that motto IN GOD WE TRUST should be added to all coins large enough to accommodate it. The Mint interpreted this law to mean that the motto had to be added to silver coins larger than the dime and gold half eagles, eagles and double eagles. Because of its size, the quarter eagle was exempt.

Beginning in 1859 a modified reverse design was used on business strike and proof Philadelphia coins. It had smaller letters and arrowheads. Some pieces in 1859, 60, and 61 were struck with the old design after the change was made.

With an original mintage of 144, the coin is scarce in all grades. Unfortunately because of resubmissions and crossovers, the combined number of certified coins is 219. Thus, NGCs population report, which shows 16 in PR63 with 46 better, must be understood in this context.