Description |
THE PERFECTION COLLECTION OF CAPPED BUST QUARTERS
Among the FINEST B-1s KNOWN, the presently offered GEM is just a hair's breadth from an even loftier grade. Only the NGC MS67 CAC ex Newman coin is graded finer. Quarters were not the most in demand denomination in circulation in this era, as Spanish colonial 2 reales were widely accepted in early American commerce. The denomination was struck only sporadically. Prior to the coinage of 361,174 pieces in 1818; the last time any quarters were struck was in 1815. Left over obverse dies dated 1815 were pressed into service three years later, with an 8 punched over the 5. The flag of the 5 can be seen within the upper loop of the 8.
Struck from the latest listed die state, Tompkins 3/6. Actually, this is an even later reverse die state, as this coin shows all the die cracks described in Tompkins Stage 6, with an additional die crack through the period after 25 C. Satiny underlying luster highlights the exceptionally colorful toning that graces both sides. Lovely hues, ranging from golden-brown to a slate-blue/gray patina, enhanced by rose, olive, and reddish-gold tones. Both sides show bold definition save for some weakness on the eagle's head. Close inspection with a very strong glass fails to reveal anything more than a stray tick or two, nothing that calls attention to them and have virtually zero impact on the absolutely outstanding eye appeal of this Premium Quality GEM.
Ex RARCOA, via private sale, July 1997 to Eugene Gardner; Eugene Gardner Collection, Part I, June 2014, lot 30348, housed in an old PCGS green tag holder, graded MS65 CAC, where it realized $55,813.
PCGS 5, NGC 2, CAC 5. The most recent PCGS/CAC MS66 example to sell was the James A. Stack-D. Brent Pogue coin that brought $48,000 in May 2023. Prior to that, we sold the Eliasberg example for $66,125 nearly a decade ago! Remember, as noted above, this coin brought $55,813 as a PCGS MS65 CAC. Today the PCGS Price Guide value is listed at $67,500 and the CAC CPG value is listed at $57,600. With NONE FINER at PCGS, this 1818/5 B-1 belongs in a truly WORLD CLASS set. Bidding will be intense!
Cert. Number 84993847
PCGS # 5323
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