1818 25C

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Description

Important Gem 1818 B-3 Capped Bust Quarter, Rare Die State I

1818 25C MS65 NGC. B-3. Die State I. This coin was struck from the same obverse die as that used to produce B-1, the 1818/15 overdate, although in a reground state. Until Die State I examples of B-3 were discovered (thus confirming the reground state of the B-1 obverse), this die marriage was known as B-11. Die State I is identifiable by clashmarks in the reverse field and remnants of the 5 underdigit on the raised parts of the final 8 in the date. Both the obverse and reverse dies of B-3 were reground, the former for the second time, to remove the clashmarks and final traces of the underdigit. Thus, examples of Die State II do not display these features. In the updated version of Ard W. Browning's book The Early Quarter Dollars of the United States, Walter Breen assigns Die State I examples of B-3 an R.8 rating, while those of Die State II are described as R.1.
We are aware of the following 1818 B-3, Die State I Quarters:

1. The ANS specimen.

2. Ex: Lester Merkin's sale of June 24, 1972, lot 249. Described in the catalog as "gem Unc."

3. Ex: Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection (Bowers and Merena, 4/97), lot 1369. Cataloged by Bowers as MS66, and "Probably Finest Known."

4. The present coin, prior pedigree unknown.

This coin is undoubtedly one of the finest example of this elusive variety extant. The surfaces are untoned save for a blush of golden-orange iridescence in the center of the obverse. The devices are mostly sharp within fully denticulated borders. The inside of the eagle's left (facing) wing is softly detailed--a not uncommon characteristic for examples of B-3. An area of light planchet roughness (as struck) over and before Liberty's bust is noted for pedigree purposes, as is a planchet streak (also as produced) over the reverse shield. There are a few lighter planchet streaks in the left obverse field, and a few wispy abrasions are noted both before and after Liberty's portrait.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 23RH, PCGS# 5322, GSID# 5062)

Metal: 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
Weight: 6.74 grams
ASW: 0.19338oz
Mintage: 361,174

View Certification Details from NGC