Lot 800
1838. PCGS graded MS-64. Lightly toned. This series had one of the shortest runs in the entire Seated Liberty Quarter series of 1838-1891. Examples without extra folds of drapery at Liberty's elbow were delivered solely in 1838 and 1839 at the Philadelphia Mint, and with a single 1840-dated delivery from the New Orleans facility. The No Drapery design differs from the following With Drapery design, most visibly in the proportions of Liberty's figure and the size of the rock upon which she sits. The first-year 1838 has a reported mintage of 466,000 pieces. While not a particularly elusive coin in most circulated grades, the 1838 is an underrated rarity at the finer levels of Mint State preservation. The coin in this lot is one of the most attractively toned examples certified at PCGS in our opinion, and it is also certainly a strong contender for any high-grade Type collector's portfolio.
The 1838 No Drapery obverse is not known for sharp striking detail, the highpoints of Liberty's head, her toes, and the star centrils are weakly defined, though we must add that the denticles are very well formed for the most part on both sides. The reverse eagle, however, is crisply struck. Both sides are equally free of marks and grade-limiting defects, while the appearance is softly lustrous with a now and then a bit of sheen to the surfaces. The eye appeal is far and away more impressive than most recent offerings of an 1838 Seated Quarter of this type. One of the more significant silver coins in this denomination, and a bidding opportunity for the specialist that is probably not soon to be replicated. Pop 24; 9 finer, 2 in 64+, 3 in 65, 3 in 66, 1 in 68. (PCGS # 5391) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 8,500.
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