Lot 886
1805 $2.50 Capped Bust. PCGS graded AU-58. A hint of light golden brown tone. Luster still visable. Low mintage of 1,781 minted. A fresh looking example of this rare early type. Heraldic eagle quarter eagles are a very scarce and overlooked series, and while the 1805 has been classed as a "common" date, the truth is, it is really very rare when brought outside the context of the early quarter eagle series. Well struck on the obverse stars with some residual softness in the center of the reverse as well as Liberty's hair waves, the surfaces show none of the prooflike aspects sometimes seen on these coins. Light adjustment marks in the hair. Pop 13; 6 finer.
The capped bust right quarter eagle type commenced in 1796 and lasted through 1807, but the combined mintage of all ten Guide Book issues (excluding the 1796 No Stars) fails to reach 20,000 coins. The rarity of these issues is largely unacknowledged, and while the 1805 doesn't stand out within the series, if truth be told it is quite hard to acquire in the overall sense.
1805 is the year Alexis De Tocqueville was born (1805-1859). He came to America in 1831 at the age of 26, and wrote the definitive travelogue and description of early 19th century American culture in his "Democracy in America." (PCGS # 7653) .
Estimated Value $14,000 - 17,000.
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| Realized $18,975 |
