1831 $2 1/2 BD-1, JD-1, R.7 as a Proof, PR64 Cameo PCGS....

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1831 Quarter Eagle, PR64 Cameo
Rare Early Gold Proof, BD-1, JD-1
Ex: Pittman

1831 $2 1/2 BD-1, JD-1, R.7 as a Proof, PR64 Cameo PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/a. The Philadelphia Mint struck an unknown, but certainly very small production of proof quarter eagles for collectors in 1831, to accompany a small business-strike mintage of 4,520 pieces. The same die pair was used to strike both proofs and business-strikes in 1831, making it difficult for early catalogers to distinguish between the formats. In fact, the hardy reverse die was used to strike all quarter eagles from 1830 to 1834 in both formats. Fortunately, the clear stripes in the shield are fully mirrored on proofs, making it possible to distinguish between proofs and prooflike business strikes. In his series reference, United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold, John Dannreuther estimates the surviving proof population at just 6 to 8 pieces in all grades, but lists nine examples of possible proofs in his list of Significant Examples. PCGS and NGC have certified eight coins between them, including an unknown number of resubmissions and crossovers. We have listed the eight examples known to us in the roster below.

The present coin is a spectacular Choice proof from the renowned John Jay Pittman Collection. The design elements are sharply detailed in most areas, with just the slightest softness at the juncture of the shield with the left (facing) wing and the first set of vertical stripes in the shield. This softness is seen on all examples we have examined. Fine detail is evident in Liberty's curls and the sharply rendered stars have full radials. The obverse dentils are lightly doubled and the U in UNITED has been reengraved on the reverse, since it was initially placed too far to the left. The deeply reflective fields contrast boldly with the frosty devices to produce a dramatic cameo effect. The well-preserved yellow-gold surfaces show only minor signs of contact and overall eye appeal is outstanding. We expect intense competition from series specialists and Registry Set enthusiasts alike when this lot is called. This coin is the plate coin for United States Proof Coins, Volume IV: Gold and is pictured on PCGS CoinFacts.

Roster of 1831 Proof Quarter Eagles
Grades are per the last auction appearance, unless a more recent certification event is known.
1. PR67 Cameo PCGS. Matthew A. Stickney Collection (Henry Chapman, 6/1907), lot 739, realized $21; John H. Clapp Collection, sold intact via Stack's in 1942; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/1982), lot 97, realized $30,800; San Diego Sale (Mid-American Rare Coin Auctions, 9/1986), lot 1108; Rick Sear, sold privately; Goliad Corporation, sold privately on 12/12/1986; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part III (Heritage, 5/2023), lot 4511, realized $630,000.
2. PR66 Deep Cameo. Mint Cabinet Collection in 1838; National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
3. PR66 NGC. Possibly John Colvin Randall Collection (W. Elliot Woodward, 6/1885), lot 975; Lorin G. Parmelee Collection (New York Coin & Stamp Co., 6/1890), lot 1004, realized $11; William H. Woodin Collection (Thomas Elder, 9/1910), lot 946, realized $47; Virgil Brand Collection (Brand Journal #57043); Grant Pierce Collection (Stack's, 5/1965), lot 1085, realized $3,000; Dr. Herbert Ketterman Collection, sold privately; Jimmy Hayes Collection; Stack's (10/1988) lot 19; Auction '89 (David Akers, 7/1989), lot 1365, realized $231,000.
4. PR64 Cameo PCGS. J.F. Bell Collection (Stack's, 12/1944), lot 97; Memorable Collection (Numismatic Gallery, 3/1948), lot 91; John Jay Pittman Collection (David Akers, 5/1998), lot 1717; Heritage Internet (11/2001), lot 1497, not sold; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2002), lot 7973, not sold; Richard C. Jewell Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 3/2005), lot 540, not sold; Pre-Long Beach (Goldberg Auctions, 2/2006), lot 890, realized $148,350; Ohringer Family Trust Holdings, Part II (Goldberg Auctions, 9/2008), lot 1228, realized $126,500; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2012), lot 4622, not sold; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2012), lot 5213, realized $117,875; The McCoy Family Collection / FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2025), lot 4729, realized $360,000. The present coin.
5. PR63 Cameo PCGS. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2016), lot 5545, realized $111,625.
6. PR63 Cameo NGC. Rarities Sale (Bowers and Merena, 7/2002), lot 700; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2009), lot 2674, realized $74,750; FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4736, realized $89,125; Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2021), lot 5103, realized $168,000.
7. Proof. J.P. Morgan; American Numismatic Society (1908.93.417)
8. Proof Genuine -- Tooled -- Unc Details, PCGS. Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2013), lot 4463, not sold; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 9/2013), lot 6715, realized $30,550; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 6/2014), lot 4761, not sold; Internet Coin Auction (Heritage, 8/2014), lot 27892, not sold; Houston Signature (Heritage, 12/2014), lot 3714, not sold; ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2015), lot 4300, realized $15,275; ANA Dallas Signature (Heritage, 3/2016), lot 5040, realized $14,100.
From The Colorado Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 106222, Base PCGS# 87686)

Weight: 4.37 grams

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper

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View Certification Details from PCGS