1808 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, AU58 NGC....

Description

1808 Quarter Eagle, Gleaming AU58
Rare One Year Type
Capped Bust Design, BD-1

1808 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, AU58 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/a. From a low mintage of 2,710 coins, John Dannreuther estimates that only 125 to 150 1808 quarter eagles have survived, largely due to melting and exportation of early gold. No more quarter eagles were struck until 1821. The low survival of this one-year type makes the 1808 quarter eagle the rarest of all United States type coins, even more rare than the 1796 and 1797 Draped Bust Small Eagle half dollars. Assistant engraver John Reich is credited for the new Capped Bust obverse, which features Reich's signature notched 13th star. The reverse design may have been a collaboration between Chief Engraver Robert Scot and Reich, with the eagle's neck, tailfeathers, legs, and claws more natural than previous designs. The olive branch is grasped peacefully in the right talons (viewer's left) and the arrows are held in the left claw (viewer's right). John Dannreuther suspects the obverse die cracked during manufacture since no perfect die state examples are reported. A thin die crack arches over the cap and continues to the right-hand stars on this near-Mint example. A later die state exists on some coins showing an additional die crack at the date. The briefly used dies never reached a terminal state before they were retired due to lack of demand.

This is a lustrous and beautifully preserved AU58 example that displays rich-gold color and semireflective fields. Light abrasions and a few tiny marks appear when viewed under a loupe, although they are subtle and entirely inoffensive. The strike is sharp through the central motifs. As always for this early issue, weak dentils surround each side and a few stars are softly impressed. There are no adjustment marks visible on either the obverse or the reverse. Nearly full mint luster remains intact on both sides. The 1808 quarter eagle is listed among The 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. NGC Census: 16 in 58, 14 finer (12/25).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFVZ, Variety PCGS# 45515, Base PCGS# 7660, Greysheet# 74467)

Weight: 4.37 grams

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper

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 NGC