1806/4 $2 1/2 8x5 Stars, BD-1, High R.4, MS63 PCGS....

Description

1806/4 Draped Bust Right Quarter Eagle, MS63
8x5 Stars, BD-1, Guide Book Variety
Finest-Certified Example at PCGS

1806/4 $2 1/2 8x5 Stars, BD-1, High R.4, MS63 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b, with a die crack through the top of the letters in LIBERTY. According to the 2026 Guide Book, a small production of 1,136 Draped Bust Right quarter eagles was accomplished at the Philadelphia Mint in 1806, using a leftover obverse die from 1804 that was overdated for the purpose (the BD-1 variety). The Mint also struck an even smaller number of quarter eagles using an overdated die from 1805 that year (the BD-2 variety). The BD-1 obverse shows the stars arranged in an 8x5 array, with the BD-2 obverse using the later 7x6 format.

This coin represents the popular BD-1 variety, with the 1806/4 overdate. This was the only use of the obverse die, but the hardy reverse was used to strike all the quarter eagles from 1805 through 1807, when the design was changed and the Capped Head Left motif was introduced, with the denomination included on the reverse. The BD-1 reverse was also used to strike more than 150,000 dimes in 1807. As might be expected from the small mintage, the BD-1 is an elusive issue and John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 75 to 90 examples in all grades today. The issue is decidedly rare in Mint State grades, and this coin is the single-finest example certified by PCGS. Only a single MS64 specimen at NGC has been certified finer (7/25).

The present coin is a spectacular Select example, with a mix of satiny mint luster and prooflike reflectivity on the obverse and frosty luster on the reverse. The pleasing orange-gold surfaces show highlights of rose and olive in selected areas and only scattered minor contact marks are evident. The central design elements show the typical softness of this issue, but the peripheral elements are much sharper. Overall eye appeal is outstanding. This coin is a Registry Set essential. This coin is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts. Population: 1 in 63, 0 finer (7/25).
From The Early Aurum Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFVW, Variety PCGS# 45512, Base PCGS# 7654, Greysheet# 297887)

Weight: 4.37 grams

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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