1825 $2 1/2 BD-2, High R.4, MS64 PCGS Secure. CAC....

Description

1825 BD-2 Quarter Eagle, MS64
Solidly Within the Condition Census

1825 $2 1/2 BD-2, High R.4, MS64 PCGS Secure. CAC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/a. Two obverse and two reverse dies were used to strike the three known varieties of 1825 quarter eagles. The reverse used on the BD-1 and BD-2, as here, was earlier used to produce quarter eagles dated 1821 and 1824/1, but even on this piece, it still shows no die cracks. This reverse is called "Distant Fraction" by Bass-Dannreuther to compare it with the "Close Fraction" reverse used to strike the 1825 BD-3. The obverse of the BD-2 shows a recut 5 in its early die stages (again as here), and the 5 is noticeably rotated counterclockwise and perceptibly lower than the other date digits. Bass-Dannreuther points out that the so-called Large Letters reverse of the BD-1 and BD-2 actually has larger A's and a smaller M (in AMERICA) than found on the Small Letters reverse of BD-3, where the A's are smaller and the M is larger.

John Dannreuther estimates that, of the 4,434 pieces struck for the 1825 date, most were of the BD-2 die variety. Both the BD-1 and BD-3 are extremely rare, rated High R.6 and estimated to survive to the extent of a meager 12 to 15 pieces each in all grades. By way of contrast, Dannreuther estimates that 80 to 100 pieces exist today of the BD-2. The present near-Gem is still solidly at the upper end of the Condition Census: PCGS reports five submissions in MS64 yet only one MS67 finer; the latter, needless to say, is a coin of amazing quality (10/15). NGC for all 1825 varieties reports five in MS64 (three MS64 ★ ) along with one each in MS65 and MS66. This piece is one of two in MS64 with the CAC green approval, and only one MS65 is finer at CAC.

The present piece offers many admirable traits, starting with bold reflectivity appearing on honey-gold surfaces on both sides, which boast an excellent strike and relatively few marks. One tick in the center of Liberty's cheek and another below the forward bust truncation provide pedigree markers but are undistracting. The strike is equally well-centered and well-executed, and the eye appeal is superb. Early quarter eagles of this superb quality simply do not appear with any frequency, and specialists will seize the opportunity.
From The McCoy Family Collection of U.S. Early Gold Quarter Eagles.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 45519, Base PCGS# 7664, Greysheet# 198916)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 4.37 grams
AGW: 0.14oz
Mintage: 4,434

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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