Lot 1900
$2.50 Capped Bust. 1806, 6 over 5, Breen-2. Stars 7 X 6. NGC graded MS-63. Here is the finest graded example of this rare date at both NGC and PCGS. The surfaces show just a faint scattering of ticks from handling over the two centuries, and most of the luster is present in the protected areas. We note that the surfaces show no adjustment marks, and are therefore more pleasing to the eye. Further, the reported mintage of this date is a scant 480 coins, of which the combined NGC and PCGS population reports show 19 graded. Of these 19 surviving coins, this particular example is the finest one seen, and most likely the very finest known! The strike is very sharp too, without the usual weakness seen at the central reverse, and the neck feathers and head are visible.
We note some delicate coppery toning around the obverse periphery, and a tiny die crack connects the interior points of stars five to seven, then another crack is noted from the upper point of star seven along the tops of LIBE. It is interesting to note that the reverse die was used to coin quarter eagles of 1805 B-1, 1806 B-1, 1806 B-2 (the present variety), 1807 B-1 and then the same reverse was used to coin the common 1807 JR-1 dimes. Average die life for the period was 11,000 strikes (or coins) before the die was normally cracked or worn enough to be replaced. This particular reverse die lasted for 175,000 strikes, and was only retired as the reverse design was replaced by the new John Reich Capped bust in 1808 on gold coins and in 1809 on dimes. This 1806/5 Capped Bust to right quarter eagle die pairing or die marriage is certainly the rarest of the five different combinations listed above.
One further note, this particular obverse die was used to also coin 1805 quarter eagles and was later overdated to the 1806, 6 over 5. Therefore, as both the obverse and reverse dies were used to coin 1805 quarter eagles, this is the identical die pairing used in 1805 and the only change being the overdate! Hence the 1805 quarter eagle is therefore the exact same die variety as this 1806, 6 over 5! This claim can doubtless be made by just a few examples in American numismatics at most.
Estimated Value $115,000 - 135,000.
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