Lot 887
1806 $2.50 Capped Bust. 6 over 5. NGC graded AU-58. A few light scratches and a minute rim bruise at 3 o'clock. Adjustment marks on the eagle and shield. Lustrous with splendid eye-appeal. An important rarity in the series. The strike is decent, but shows minor weakness on Liberty's central hair, on the scroll and area surrounding the eagle's neck. No doubt the dies were worn by the time this one was coined, and striking quality varied from variety to variety on these. Pop 2; 7 better. (PCGS # 7655) .
This variety is so intriguing and desirable not just for its clear unavailability, but for its technical aspects. Few dies in the American series have been used one year, altered, and used again to strike coins since this often destroys the dies; but this obverse die was used on every 1805 quarter eagle ever struck before being altered into an 1806/5 overdate. The reverse was used on quarter eagles in 1805, twice in 1806, again in 1807 and also on dimes of 1807! What an interesting and unique situation, and a great story to go with one of the great rarities of the gold series.
Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000.
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| Realized $67,275 |
