1906 Quarter Eagle $20 NGC PF64 CAMEO. The Philadelphia Mint struck a total of 160 Proof quarter eagles for collectors in 1906, a number consistent with the other years of this decade. These were the final years for this design, which had been first struck in 1840 and would be replaced by the Indian Head quarter eagle in 1908. Perhaps some examples of the 1906 and 1907 dates were saved as souvenirs to the old design, as a relatively high number of Proof quarter eagles are known for that date compared to the mintage. However, one must not forgot that the original output was very low, and that the supply of these coins did not increase during the last century. The demand, however, has steadily increased over the years, and still continues to do so. As such, these wonderful and rare gold coins are both true objects of desire for collectors as well as safe investments for conscious investors with a variety portfolio of American gold coinage.

Proof gold coinage of the early 20th century is a very interesting field of study for a number of different. First of all, there are a number of different denominations and designs. Each comes with different characteristics, but there are also some similarities through out the different denominations. Especially after 1907, the Mint experimented with several different finishes on both their copper and gold Proof coins. While the latter date is usually quoted for the start of these experiments, the 1902 to 1906 quarter eagles (among the other denominations) are noticeably different than the Proofs produced in the late 19th century. The latter had frosty devices, but in the early 20th century this slowly changed to more semi-brilliant devices. While not less eye-appealing, both are very much differentiated, and this is one of many interesting objects of study of these rare coins.

The present coin is a wonderful near gem survivor of the original mintage of 160 pieces. While the majority still exists, if not nearly all, many examples are cleaned or dipped and are now rather unattractive. The present coin only has a limited number of hairlines visible under magnification which would eventually limit the grade. No major blemishes are worth to be mentioned on the semi-brilliant surfaces, a true characteristic of this issue. Still with moderate cameo on both sides combined with watery fields, with some of the much appreciated black/white effect visible on the fields. An excellent coin which sure is to please any advanced collector of Proof gold coinage.