1825 $2 1/2 MS61 PCGS. BD-2, High R.4....

Description

1825 Two and a Half, BD-2, MS61
High R.4 Variety Among Three for the Year

1825 $2 1/2 MS61 PCGS. BD-2, High R.4. The 1825 quarter eagle is the only year in the entire 1820s and 1830s for which more than a single die variety is known, such was the low and sporadic nature of the mintages. In fact, three die pairings are known for the year, even though two of the three employed the same reverse die reused from 1821. No quarter eagles at all were struck from 1809 through 1820 and none in 1822, 1823, or 1828, so a year such as 1825 with three die pairings is definitely an outlier in the series.

On the BD-2 the 5 in the date is somewhat lower than the 2 and oddly slanting to the left; early die states show recutting on that digit. The flag of the 5 is quite thick. The reverse (struck from that carried-over 1821 die) displays the fraction nearly centered under the intersection of the fletchings and stem, with a large D in the denomination. John Dannreuther points out the two (at least) different-size fonts in the lettering, two large A's in AMERICA and a noticeably smaller M. The first S in STATES also has thinner strokes and therefore looks smaller than the second S.

This MS61 PCGS example displays scattered small ticks and field chatter that account for the grade over orange-gold surfaces with good eye appeal, surprisingly strong for the assigned grade. The strike is notably bold throughout both sides. The slightly greater availability of this variety compared to its siblings makes it a likely acquisition for type- or date-set purposes. For all varieties, Population: 9 in 61, 12 finer (11/13).
From the collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(Registry values: P5)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25FG, PCGS# 7664, Greysheet# 8221)

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.

View all of [The collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation ]

View Certification Details from PCGS