1796 25C B-1, R.4, AU58 PCGS. ...

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1796 Quarter, Colorfully Toned AU58
The Scarcer B-1 Variety

1796 25C B-1, R.4, AU58 PCGS. Two obverse dies and one reverse die were employed to strike 1796 quarter dollars with a relatively low mintage of 6,146 pieces. B-1 is the rarer of the two varieties and is identified by the following: the 6 in the date is low and nearly centered between the bust and the dentils; the bottom of 7 is low and close to the dentils; the upright of E in LIBERTY is centered over Liberty's highest curl; TY touch at the top; and star 15 is close to the drapery.

The 1796 quarter dollar is significant as the first year that the denomination was struck by the U.S. Mint, along with being the only quarter to display the Draped Bust obverse paired with the Small Eagle reverse. It is, therefore, a one-year design type that is necessary for the completion of a U.S. type collection. Because it commands a high price in all levels of preservation and is difficult to locate in original, problem-free condition, the 1796 quarter is often missing from all but the more advanced type collections.

The present near-Mint offering displays beautiful concentric toning of soft sky-blue, deep royal blue, violet-lavender, and orange-gold around the obverse border that frames the silver-gray center that is splashed with soft orange-gold and violet. The reverse shows light rose patination imbued with traces of orange-gold and lavender covering silver-gray surfaces. Both sides are slightly reflective, enhancing the coin's outstanding eye appeal. The design elements are sharply struck, including Liberty's hair and drapery, the star centers, and the eagle's wing feathers. Even the neck feathers and head are strong, which is very unusual for this design type. A couple of as-made vertical adjustment marks extend through the 6 and drapery, and diagonal ones are visible in the hair atop Liberty's head. Horizontal file marks travel through the clouds and eagle's legs, and vertical ones are visible in the upper reverse. We hasten to mention that these do not obliterate any design features. In fact, they serve as excellent indicators for identifying the coin's pedigree.

This original piece with its marvelous eye appeal will stand out in a high-grade type or date collection. As such, it is deserving of a high bid and will satisfy the most discriminating collector. Population: 17 in 58, 35 finer (7/15).
Ex: American Numismatic Rarities (7/2005), lot 1048.
Selections from The Liberty Collection, Part III.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 23RA, Variety PCGS# 38919, Base PCGS# 5310, GSID# 212662)

Metal: 89.24% Silver, 10.76% Copper
Weight: 6.74 grams
ASW: 0.19338oz
Mintage: 6,146

View all of [Selections from The Liberty Collection, Part III ]

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