Lot 1227
1821 $2.50 Capped Head. PCGS graded MS-64. A slightly shallow strike with the stars not fully defined, however, the blazing prooflike surfaces are absolutely astounding! Lovely original bright golden surfaces that deepen at the borders.
After 13 years of when no quarter eagles were made, a few depositors evidently began to request this denomination be produced out of their bullion. The mint's aging engraver, Robert Scot, then 77 years old, reworked the 1813 half eagle design for the smaller $2.50 format.
The fields of this piece are bright prooflike, as typically seen (but never offered in this state of Mint quality); true to form, the striking details are soft on each side, this no doubt accounting for the MS64 grade for an otherwise near pristine coin. There are virtually no objectionable abrasions present on either side. Reference points might include a fine hairline below UNUM and a small area of surface roughness above the right corner of the shield. Probably fewer than a couple of dozen pieces are collectible in all grades. This is the second finest example certified, and is bettered only by a single MS 66 graded by NGC. Only 6448 minted. Pop 1; 1 finer in MS-66 (PCGS # 7662) .
Estimated Value $80,000 - 90,000.
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| Realized $149,500 |
