Lot 690
1815 Capped Bust Quarter Dollar. NGC graded MS-66. Magnificent color, surfaces and condition! Deep iridescent blue and gold on both sides, adhering near the devices while the fields are more satiny silver gray. Sharply impressed with full stars and curls on Liberty, and similar strength on the reverse devices save for only the uppermost claws on the eagle. Both dies show minor clash marks. NGC in their Population Report show only 4 graded this high, with a single coin graded higher (including one graded MS-65 with an L above the head) while PCGS has graded one coin as MS-66 with none higher. Hence, this is one of the top half dozen known of this first year of issue of the new John Reich design. A most impressive example of this date. It is important to note that many collectors assembling type sets want the first year of issue, and that keeps demand for this date high. During the years 1812 to 1815 the War of 1812 was unfolding, with British ships and troops disrupting the fragile American economy. Silver was hoarded and the mintage for 1815 quarters was a paltry 89,235. Curiously, no quarters had been issued since 1807 when the draped bust pieces were last coined, as the Philadelphia Mint focused their production on copper coins, half dollars and half eagles.
Many 1815 quarters were actually delivered on January 10, 1816. Unbeknownst to the Mint, a fire would break out less than twelve hours after this delivery, which would delay further production of most coins until late 1817. Perhaps this coin was in that final delivery, and hoarded as the uncertainty of those early years continued, and somehow survived the generations to come down to us as this stunning gem.
Estimated Value $17,500-UP.
|
| |
| Realized $18,400 |
