1802 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, MS63 PCGS....

Description

1802 BD-1 Quarter Eagle, MS63
Important Condition Census Example

1802 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, MS63 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/b. Typically described as a prefect obverse, this piece shows faint crumbling below the 18 in the date and elsewhere, perhaps a clue to the possible remarriage of these two dies. The reverse exhibits a delicate crack from the first A in AMERICA to the tip of the second feather. A single obverse die is combined with three different reverse dies. This obverse has traditionally been described as a 2 over 1 overdate, although current numismatic scholarship suggests that is not an accurate description, but rather, appears to be a defective punch. A prominent nearly horizontal die line from the left corner of the shield extends well into the left wing and that is the usual attribution feature for this variety. The reverse die was also used for 1802 JR-3 dimes and for 1803 JR-2 dimes.

There are three known 1802 quarter eagle varieties, although Walter Breen described four die marriages in his 1960s monograph on quarter eagle varieties. Breen describes the die crack from the first A to the feather for his variety 1 and also displays some features of his variety 3. However, Breen's descriptions for the two varieties were mostly inaccurate. He made no mention of the horizontal die line from the left shield corner into the wing for either variety 1 or 3.

The 1802 BD-1 quarter eagle is the most plentiful of three varieties, although all varieties are elusive in Mint State grades. This example from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection is tied for the third finest of the variety behind two coins graded MS64. Very slight adjustment marks are noted along the left obverse border and elsewhere on this brilliant and beautiful quarter eagle. The central details are sharper than usual while the peripheral weakness is related to the planchet adjustment before this piece was struck. Splashes of coppery-orange toning enhance the visual appeal. This is an excellent opportunity for the gold type collector or the variety aficionado. Population for all varieties: 8 in 63, 2 finer (12/22). Population for BD-1: 1 in 63, 1 finer (12/22).

A Roster of Significant Examples provided by Ron Guth of the Numismatic Detective Agency
1. MS64 PCGS. Lawrence C. Licht Collection (Stack's, 3/2005), lot 2074, $115,000; Paul Nugget, sold privately in 6/2005; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part I (Stack's Bowers & Sotheby's, 5/2015), lot 1120, $211,500.
2. MS64 NGC. Pre-Long Beach (Goldberg Auctions, 6/2004), lot 2397, $50,600; Chicago ANA (Stack's Bowers, 8/2011), lot 7596, not sold.
4. MS63 PCGS. Abner Kreisberg Mail Bid Sale, 11/1972, lot 1080; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Collection (HBCC# 3007). The present coin.
3. MS63 PCGS. Ohringer Family Trust Holdings, Part II (Goldberg Auctions, 9/2008), misattributed as a BD-3, lot 1223, $63,250.
5. MS63 NGC. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2007), lot 3385, $69,000; Larry Miller Collection (Stack's Bowers, 12/2020), lot 1113, $84,000.
6. Brilliant Uncirculated Uncertified. Public Auction (Stack's, 10/2006), lot 2029, $21,850.
7. MS62 PCGS CAC. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4725, $43,125; Key Coin Collection (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 4327, $48,000; Naples Collection, Part I (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 12/2021), lot 268, $64,625.
8. MS62 PCGS. Pre-Long Beach (Goldberg Auctions, 1/2015), lot 1852, not sold; Chicago ANA (Stack's Bowers, 8/2015), lot 10176, $44,063.
9. MS62 PCGS. Andrew M. Hain Collection (Stack's Bowers, 8/2022), lot 7130, $43,200.
10. MS62 NGC. ANA Signature (Heritage, 8/2007), lot 1820, $38,813; Tampa Bay Rarities (Stack's Bowers, 1/2011), lot 1329, not sold; Coins and Banknotes (Bonhams & Butterfield, 5/2011), lot 1177, $31,590.
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part III.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 45506, Base PCGS# 7650, GSID# 213448)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 4.37 grams
AGW: 0.1288oz
Mintage: 3,035

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.

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