Posted 08/05/2016 7:05 pm
Basic facts: The US Mint produced enormous quantities of halves and quarters between 1875-1878 to replace the hated fractional currency notes produced during and after the Civil War. Following the passage of the Bland-Allison Act, the mint turned its attention to the mass production of silver dollars from 1878-1890 since minor silver coinage already in circulation during that era was deemed sufficient. Resulting mintages for quarters and halves in particular were tiny, and the proofs even more so.
Ironically, a great many of these were saved by collectors as part of their date series, and so the market price today for high-grade examples (including proofs) has little relationship to the tiny mintages.
Ironically, a great many of these were saved by collectors as part of their date series, and so the market price today for high-grade examples (including proofs) has little relationship to the tiny mintages.
