The Proof 1868 quarter eagle entered the annals of U.S. numismatics as a rare issue with only 25 pieces produced. Its scarcity was further heightened upon release as unsold Proofs were placed into circulation and others were mishandled by well-meaning collectors. It is generally accepted that no more than 20 examples are extant in all grades, with John W. Dannreuther (2018) providing an even more aggressive estimate of just 10 to 12 survivors.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the October 2015 Rarities Auction, where it sold for $47,000.