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Sale 48
Lot 1224
1806/5 $2.50 Capped Bust. NGC graded MS-61. In NGC holder 1846700-001. Mostly well struck on a clean problem free planchet. The surfaces are remarkably clean for this numerical grade. A touch of tone rests within the protected devices. Only 480 minted with less than 3 dozen known in all grades.
Offered here is one of the truly remarkable examples of a rare date quarter eagle in U.S. numismatics! Only the 1804 13 Star Reverse outclasses the 1806/5 in rarity, and David Akers called this the third rarest date in the entire quarter eagle series. The coin's rarity is explained by its low mintage. The present specimen displays frosty greenish-yellow gold surfaces with sparkling luster over nearly half of the obverse and the entire reverse. A huge plus for this rarity is the absence of any adjustment marks on either obverse or reverse and we note a single, hairline scratch vertically across the obverse device as the only real impairment. The obverse strike is above average with original frost still embedded in the recessed areas. The reverse displays the expected central strike weakness in the horizontal bars of the shield. Faint coppery hues are seen hugging the obverse and reverse periphery, strongest on the reverse. A monumental opportunity to acquire one of the rarest quarter eagles ever produced!
The overdate on this specimen is bold and can be seen in correct lighting without magnification. While the exact die marriage presented here is unquestionably one of the rarest in U.S. numismatics, the reverse die was used independently to strike several other issues during this time. For instance, this reverse die was used to strike quarter eagles of 1805 (Breen-1), 1806 (Breen-2), 1806 (Breen-2, this coin), 1807 (Breen-1) and the 1807 (JR-1) dimes. A "marathon" die to say the least and one which lasted over ten times longer than the average life expectancy of a die during this time.
There are several diagnostics that can be found on this obverse die. First, a fine die crack exists from the top of star 7 through the tops of LIB. Additionally, the two denticles near star 8 and 9 extend outward like "fangs" and the points of stars 8 and 9 at the 5:00 position are shortened.
A monumental opportunity to acquire one of the rarest quarter eagles ever produced! Pop 2; 3 in 62, 1 in 63. PCGS has only graded 1 coin in Mint State (PCGS # 7655) .
Estimated Value $75,000 - 85,000.
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| Realized $86,250 |
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