1797 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.6, VG8 PCGS....

Description

1797 BD-1 Quarter Eagle, VG8
Unique With Huge Cud

1797 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.6, VG8 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/a. In its 2004 auction appearance, the present coin was cataloged as "one of the most incredible early type coins we have ever encountered, in any grade or denomination. ... One of the most massive cuds on any coin of this era. ... This die state is unique, known only by this worn specimen ... Bass never owned this die state." Dannreuther (2006) adds "currently unique." Almost all examples of BD-1 show a retained cud on the right obverse border with a vertical border, but only this lot is known with a cud over the area, obscuring half of the Y in LIBERTY and all of stars 8 through 11. Star 12 emerges from the cud only as two right-side points. The cud is reminiscent of the 1796 BB-64 dollar, a rare variety invariably seen with a similar vertical break. As expected, the huge cud causes a featureless right reverse border, since metal from the planchet filled the broken obverse die during the strike. The golden-brown surfaces are problem-free aside from a narrow horizontal test mark east of the eye.
Ex: Public Auction (Stack's, 1/1994), lot 1709; Pevehouse & Davis Collections (American Numismatic Rarities, 10/2004), lot 696; Long Island Collection / ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2021), lot 3418.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFVR, Variety PCGS# 45503, Base PCGS# 7648, GSID# 395422)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 4.37 grams
AGW: 0.1288oz
Mintage: 427

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 Certification Details from PCGS