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| Slot: |
1815 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1815 "E" STAMP B-1 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC MS 62 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1815 25C E Counterstamp MS62 NGC. B-1, R1 (considered R5 with the counterstamp). Population (PCGS 6/34, NGC 10/38).
Following a delivery of 220,643 pieces in 1807, the Philadelphia Mint idled its quarter dollar presses in favor of the half dollar denomination. Then the 1815 quarter, the premier issue of John Reich's large sized Capped Bust quarter type, was introduced. While it is popular for first-year type purposes, the 1815 is probably more desirable as a low mintage, conditionally challenging date produced from a single obverse and reverse die marriage, thus only one variety is known. The mintage comprised 69,232 pieces that were delivered December 16 of 1815, and 20,003 coins delivered January 10, 1816, which was the first day after the Mint reopened and the day before the fire which destroyed the apparatus for making gold and silver planchets. As a result of the fire the following day, no quarters were struck in 1816 or 1817.
Quarters dated 1815 and 1825 are both known with E counter-stamps and L counter-stamps. Although a number of explanations have been provided by numismatic researchers over many years, none have positively shown the who, what, where, and why of these mysterious marks. On both dates, the E counter-stamp is always located immediately over the top fold of the cap, and the L counter-stamp is always located left of the top fold. Most examples have a slight bulge on the reverse exactly opposite the mark, showing slight movement of the metal, although this example has an undetectable movement of the metal.
A recent suggestion by one researcher associated the E counter-stamps with the Economites of Western Pennsylvania, and the L counter-stamps with the Leonites, both groups active in the 19th century. This highly lustrous and mostly brilliant example has silver-white color at the centers, with vivid gold and pale blue toning near the borders. It is sharply struck with just a touch of wear and minor surface marks. Highly attractive and exceptionally popular.
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| Slot: |
1818 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1818 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS MS 64 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1818 25C MS64 PCGS. B-4, R2. Population (PCGS 45/23, NGC 72/49).
The Capped Bust coinage of John Reich was initially developed in 1807, beginning with the half dollar. According to the late Walter Breen, writing in his Encyclopedia: "Reich's new conception for the silver coins was an uncommonly buxom effigy of Ms. Liberty, wearing a mobcap inscribed with her name. (This was for generations misnamed a turban by people who never saw a real one; and even from the beginning it was taken to represent the pilleus or Phrygian liberty cap, whereas Reich actually intended it as a fashionable headdress, somewhat like that on some portraits of Martha Washington. Contemporaneous newspaper scurrility attacked the device as portraying 'the artist's fat mistress.') Reich placed it first on half dollars and half eagles, fall 1807; then quarter eagles 1808, dismes 1809, and finally quarter dollars, the next time banks ordered them 1815." According to the information presented in A.W. Browning’s work on Early Quarter Dollars the total number of pieces coined were 361,174 with no less than 10 varieties known.
Die State VII, which Breen considered very rare. This specimen was struck from multiply clashed dies with bold die cracks that bisect the portrait and pass through Liberty's shoulder and the D in UNITED. Aside from its dramatic die cracks, B-4 can be identified by the UNIT in UNITED, which are very close at the tops of the letters. Deep rose-gold and forest-green toning embraces this sharply struck type coin. The surfaces are clean save for a minor thin handling mark in the field near the eagle's beak.
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| Slot: |
1818/5 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1818/5 B-1 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC MS 64 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1818/5 25C MS64 PCGS. B-1, R2. Population (PCGS 17/9, NGC 22/10).
Introduced in 1815, John Reich's Capped Bust quarter did not begin yearly production until 1818. Scarcity of bullion during the War of 1812 limited the original deliveries to 69,232 coins in 1815 and 20,003 pieces in early 1816, all dated 1815. Shortly after the 1816 delivery, a fire ravaged the Philadelphia Mint and suspended production of this denomination until 1818. Therefore, no quarters dated 1816 or 1817 were ever produced and furthermore, during this time, silver depositors at the Mint preferred the more convenient half dollar denomination.
To expedite the first quarter delivery in 1818, the Mint modified a pair of previously unused 1815-dated dies, engraving a second 8 over the 5 in the date thus creating the only over date variety of this year. This over date was caused, in part, by the fire in the Philadelphia Mint in 1815. An obverse die was never used in 1815 and the final date digit was subsequently re-punched in 1818 to help curtail production costs. The coin displays the top of a 5 within the upper part of the second eight in the date, and the upright part of 5 outside of the 8 at the left.
Die State I no reverse die cracks which, according to Browning, is much rarer than the later die states that reveal reverse die cracks. A very pretty coin from the standpoint of originality, dappled crimson-russet and electric-blue toning is splashed over both the obverse and reverse. The eagle's neck feathers and the corresponding features on the obverse are a little softly defined, but the remaining devices are crisp and well centered. A near gem and an extraordinarily well preserved example of this scarce overdate.
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| Slot: |
1819 Small 9 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1819 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS AU 58 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1819 25C Small 9 AU58 PCGS. B-3, R1. Population (PCGS 5/18, NGC 1/4).
Die State II, Colon After 25C: The 9 in the date is mostly centered beneath Liberty's lowest hair curl. On the reverse the ED in UNITED is aligned, with the D somewhat higher. The 25 in the denomination is re-punched, the 2 lightly, the 5 broadly. A light die crack from the rim through star 11 to the bust, and a slender diagonal crack though the bust truncation and the first 1 in the date to the rim, otherwise the dies are perfect. Encapsulated in a green label holder.
Both sides of this wondrously preserved example has surfaces drenched in a sea-green and pearl-gray with occasional overlays of subtle steel-blue toning draping this satiny and attractively preserved Bust Quarter. The strike is exemplary.
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| Slot: |
1819 Large 9 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1819 LARGE 9 B-2 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC AU 58 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1819 25C Large 9 AU58 NGC. B-2, R3, possibly R4. Population (PCGS 2/2, NGC 4/2).
Breen Die State IV with a crack between the 18 in the date. Apple-green and orange-gold toning cannot conceal the shimmering luster throughout the devices and margins. Liberty's chin and drapery display faint wear. Pleasing despite a minor mark near star 4.
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| Slot: |
1820 Small 0 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1820 SMALL 0 B-4 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS AU 58 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1820 25C Small O AU58 PCGS. B-4, R2. Population (PCGS 8/9, NGC 1/1).
The relationship between the quarter and half dollar during this era is similar to that between the half cent and large cent. The larger denomination was preferred in commerce, and had significantly higher mintages. Aside from the 1815, the 1820 is the lowest mintage year of the Capped Bust half series. Yet its mintage of 751,122 pieces is more than five times that of the 127,444 quarters struck that year.
The date has a small 8, star 7 points to the lower part of the cap, and the I in PLURIBUS is centered under the left stand of the second T in STATES. Splashes of blue, olive-green, and purple intermingle over quite clean surfaces that retain a fair amount of luster. Sharp definition is apparent on all of the design features.
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| Slot: |
1820 Large 0 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1820 MEDIUM 0 B-3 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS AU 55 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1820 25C Medium O AU55 PCGS. B-3, R3. Population (PCGS 2/10 NGC 0/4).
The relationship between the quarter and half dollar during this era is similar to that between the half cent and large cent. The larger denomination was preferred in commerce, and had significantly higher mintages. Aside from the 1815, the 1820 is the lowest mintage year of the Capped Bust half series. Yet its mintage of 751,122 pieces is more than five times that of the 127,444 quarters struck that year.
A very attractive piece with indigo blue toning sprinkled over silver surfaces on both sides. Abundant luster sparkles about and highlights the hair and feather details nicely. The scarcest of all four varieties and easily identified by the large 0 and sweeping obverse die crack.
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| Slot: |
1821 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1821 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS MS 64 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1821 25C MS64 PCGS. B-5, R4+. Population (PCGS 13/11, NGC 20/10).
The mintage reported for the year was 216,851 coins, although some of those were from dies dated 1820. It would be almost impossible to speculate how many of each date were included in the total production figure. Mintage of the Capped Bust quarter dollars was sporadic at best. The following years are represented: 1815, 1818-1825, 1827, and 1828. Breen suggested that the public much preferred the Spanish 2 Reals silver pieces and other fractional units. The Spanish colonial pieces were much more familiar to most people of the young nation.
Designs were by John Reich, who redesigned all of the circulating coinage after he was hired in 1807. The quarters and half dimes were the last two denominations to adopt the new designs, in 1815 and 1829 respectively. Three obverse and five reverse dies were produced for a combination of six different die varieties.
With the exception of "B-6," of which only two coins are believed extant, B-5 is the scarcest variety of the 1821 Quarter. This coin most likely qualifies for Condition Census. It has the first star near the bust truncation, while the seventh star points to the headband. The sixth star is boldly re-cut.
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| Slot: |
1822 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1822 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC AU 58 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1822 25C AU58 NGC. B-1, R2. Population (PCGS 12/19, NGC 16/16).
A scarcer, low mintage date in this short Capped Bust Quarter series. The 1822 was probably produced to the extent of fewer than 64,080 pieces. That figure represents the number of quarters struck during calendar-year 1822, but the elusiveness of the 1822 in today's market suggests that many 1821-dated examples are included in this mintage. There are only two known die marriages for the 1822 Capped Bust quarter, and B-2 with the desirable 25/50 C. feature is by far the most difficult to obtain in all grades.
This richly toned, golden-silver example is quite well defined despite isolated softness of strike and a bit of light highpoint wear. Both surfaces are outlined in vibrant blue, green and yellow toning.
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| Slot: |
1824/2 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1824/2 B-1 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS XF 45 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1824/2 25C XF45 PCGS. B-1, R3. Population (PCGS 7/10, NGC 9/13).
The 1824/2 quarter is a scarce over date issue, the best mintage estimate include among 24,000 delivered in December 1825. As documented by A. W. Browning, there is only one variety is known for the year identified by a spine from the arrow barb and a chip between the final S in STATES and S of motto. Traces of the under-digit 2 are evident above the diagonal of the 4, and just beneath its base. Examples are difficult to locate in any grade, and are especially elusive in top grades.
This is a totally wholesome and pleasant example with underlying luster and nice sea green, blue and reddish orange colors on both the obverse and reverse surfaces.
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| Slot: |
1825/2 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1825/2 B-1 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS AU 58 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1825/2 25C AU58 PCGS. B-1, R5. Population (PCGS 5/2, NGC 3/1).
The B-1 variety is easily the rarest of the three 1825 die marriages, and it is extremely difficult to locate in higher grades. As such it receives a separate Guide Book listing, as it is the only 1825/2 variety. It can be identified by the high location of star 8 relative to the cap. In addition, there are obvious curves of the under-digit 2, the first 8 in the date is also boldly re-cut and a lengthy mint-made spine from the back of the lowest arrowhead confirms the reverse die. In his revision of Browning, Walter Breen recorded two die states, either perfect or with die crumbling inside the digit 5. The other two die pairings of the year, B-2 and B-3 are variously described as 1825/4, 1825/3, and 1825/4/3.
The present boldly struck near-Mint example has only delicate sky-gray and gold tints on the obverse, the reverse has a peach center bounded by lighter cream toning. Unmarked for the grade, the obverse is somewhat proof-like the reverse displays extensive cartwheel shimmer. The dies are lightly clashed but otherwise perfect.
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| Slot: |
1825/3 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1825/4 B-2 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC MS 64 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1825/3 25C MS64 NGC. B-2, R2. Population (PCGS 19/9, NGC 6/5).
All three 1825-dated varieties are over dates, although what under-digit (or under-digits) may lurk beneath the 5 is a subject for some debate. While very scarce as a type, the B-2 is the most frequently encountered variety of this date. It is easily the most interesting die pairing as well, with not one, but two under-digits beneath the final digit in the date. Browning-2 is readily attributed. Star eight is placed low, and 25C is entered high. Fragments of an underlying 3 are slightly evident beneath the 5, using magnification.
This is a beautiful, multicolored specimen of this early large size Capped Bust quarter. The devices are rather sharply impressed for the issue with the coin awash in a sea of color including rich plum, ocean-blue, and gold drape the obverse. The reverse is untoned save for a lower band of honey patina. This lustrous near-Gem has pleasantly smooth surfaces, and the strike is intricate throughout. Mint State survivors of the Capped Bust, Large Size quarter series are anything but common in today's market.
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| Slot: |
1825/4 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1825/4 B-3 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC AU 50 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1825/4 25C AU50 NGC. B-3, R3. Population (PCGS 0/0, NGC 1/5).
Die State I, pleasing original dark antique gray toning with lighter highlights on the topmost surface.
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| Slot: |
1828 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1828 |
| Full Grade: |
NGC AU 58 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1828 25C AU58 NGC. B-1, R1. Population (PCGS 10/34, NGC 23/46).
The final date in the Large Size series of Capped Bust quarters and, although not widely recognized as such, this low mintage (102,000 pieces) quarter is a difficult coin to locate in higher circulated or mint state grades. There are four varieties known with this one the most common variety of the year. The reverse is the same as that of the 1827 noted by the die break through the ED on the reverse. The obverse is perfect with minor repunching of stars 10 & 11.
A pleasing piece with light to medium toning in attractive shades of gold, brown and red. There is also some sea green alongs the rims and spattered across the eagle's feathers. Well struck for this last year of type. A few light marks are evident commensurate with the grade.
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| Slot: |
1828 25/50 |
| Origin/Country: |
UNITED STATES |
| Design Description: |
QUARTER DOLLARS - CAPPED BUST |
| Item Description: |
25C 1828 25/50 B-3 |
| Full Grade: |
PCGS XF 45 |
| Research: |
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Owner Comments
1828 25C 25 over 50C EF45 PCGS. B-3, R5. Population (PCGS 1/10, NGC 0/7).
This is one of the most famous engraving errors in American numismatics. First introduced on the reverse die of the 1822 quarter this die was briefly resurrected, on the grounds of economy, and used once again in the striking of the 1828 Browning-3 variety shown here. Browning, in elaborating on the 25 over 50, wrote "...the engraver evidently mistook the die for that of a 50-cent piece, then corrected the error; ..."
The die engraver used the denomination punches for a half dollar, and first engraved 50 C. instead of 25 C. Then realizing the mistake, he corrected this by engraving the correct 25 over the 50.
This variety is always in very strong demand, and short supply as witnessed by the PCGS & NGC population reports, for the curious denomination error and one of the most popular of the early quarter die varieties. For the specialist, this coin represents a major achievement when added to a variety collection.
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