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Description

1834 B-4 Capped Bust Quarter, MS67
Tied, Finest Known for Variety
Tied, Finest Known Bust Quarter

1834 25C MS67 NGC. B-4, R.1. Tompkins Die State 2/2. One other B-4 quarter is known in Superb Gem condition, listed in the Superior section of Auction '90 (August, 1990) as lot 1078, where it was described as "certainly the finest known 1834 Bust quarter" and "the finest Bust quarter of them all." Graded MS67 NGC, it was a full two grading points higher than than the next finest 1834 quarter and was the highest certified quarter of any date between 1796 and 1838. The coin brought a strong $100,000.00 in that sale.

With all due respect to that excellent quarter, this equally Superb Gem example is worthy of its "share of the turf." 24 years have passed, and MS67 is still the highest graded business strike for any Bust quarter of any date or variety, but about 20 different examples share the stage with the same lofty MS67 grade (not counting resubmissions or crossovers). Two Bust quarters have achieved an even higher MS68 designation, but they are in proof format.

Unfortunately, the 1990 example of the 1834 piece was plated with only a small, black-and-white photo, so an exact comparison of the two exceptional B-4 pieces is difficult. Both appear to be of the same die state, with an obverse identified by a single small die crack, but the reverse with multiple major cracks. The present example is exquisitely toned and fully struck on reflective surfaces with some prooflike tendencies. The lightly frosted central devices are covered with sunset-orange tones and framed by vivid, cerulean-blue margins. The coin displays amazing eye appeal and near-perfect technical quality.

No doubt it would be a memorable discussion to decide which 1834 quarter is the finest for its date and variety, and quite possibly for honors as being among the very top example among all Bust quarters. We are certain, however, that the current example could not possibly be outclassed by another business strike in any of the key attributes of strike, surfaces, condition rarity, color, or eye appeal. Census: 2 in 67, 0 finer (3/14).(Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 23RZ, PCGS# 5353, Greysheet# 5088)

Metal: 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
Weight: 6.74 grams
ASW: 0.21oz
Mintage: 286,000


View Certification Details from NGC

Auction Info

Auction Dates
April, 2014
23rd-27th Wednesday-Sunday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 11
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,230

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
17.5% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Apr 24, 2014 for: $70,500.00
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