1798 $2 1/2 MS62 PCGS. Wide Date, Five Berries, Breen-...

Description

Uncirculated 1798 Five Berries Quarter Eagle

1798 $2 1/2 MS62 PCGS. Wide Date, Five Berries, Breen-6117, Bass-3006, R.4. Once considered the scarcer of two varieties for this very difficult date, but since the 1970s the majority of the 1798 quarter eagles surfacing have been this die pairing. A total of 1,094 pieces were recorded to have been struck, although a delivery of 480 coins was made in December of 1799 and has been speculated by experts to have included the 1798 Five Berries pieces, as there are no coins of this denomination dated 1799 or 1800.
Although PCGS distinguishes the two 1798 varieties with the "Wide Date" and "Close Date" designations, there is in fact little difference between the width of the dates. As is the case with the 1805 Dime varieties, the distinctive berry count is seemingly of greater numismatic interest.
The canary-gold surfaces of this desirable type coin have moderately prooflike fields, which is not surprising given the low production figure. Well struck throughout the peripheral areas, while the centers have moderate softness of highpoint definition. A lintmark (as made) below the R in LIBERTY curls through a fold in the cap and provides a pedigree marker. The grade is limited only by a couple of minor contact marks with the starry field above the eagle's head. PCGS has encapsulated three pieces as MS62, and only a solitary MS65 example has been certified finer by that service. (#7649) (Registry values: P7)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25F5, PCGS# 7649, GSID# 8211)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 4.37 grams
AGW: 0.1288oz
Mintage: 1,094

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