LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 (ANA) Signature Coin Auction #444  / 

1647

1796 25C XF40 NGC B-1

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:33,750.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1796 25C XF40 NGC B-1
<B>1796 25C XF40 NGC.</B></I> B-1, R.5. The paltry mintage of 1796 quarters, 6,146 pieces with no more made of the Draped Bust, Small Eagle type, produced an instant rarity. By 1804, when the Mint again manufactured quarters, they were of the Draped Bust design, but with the Heraldic or Large Eagle reverse. <BR> The 1796 date is among the most popular in U.S. numismatics due to the spate of rarities that were produced, including most especially the quarter, half dollar, and quarter eagle. The Mint switched from the Liberty Cap large cent to the Draped Bust design; it made all five varieties of silver coinage for the first time this year, from the half dime through the silver dollar; and it expanded the existing portfolio of gold denominations, consisting of the half eagle and eagle, to embrace the quarter eagle. But of all the various 1796-dated coinage in several denominations, only the 1796 quarter enjoys status as a one-year type coin.<BR> The 6 in the date does not touch the bust, and this confirms the rare B-1 variety, one of only two known for the year. The TY in LIBERTY touch on the B-1 Low 6 variety, and are slightly separated on the usually seen B-2. On the B-1 the date is unevenly spaced, while on the B-2 it is even. The B-1 shows star 15 (making it clear that these dies were produced before Tennessee joined the Union on June 1, 1796) nearly touching the bust, while on the B-2 it is twice as far as on the B-1. <BR> The reverse die on the B-1 is the only one that occasionally shows perfect impressions, as the B-2 die normally shows weakness on the eagle's head, according to the Browning-Breen reference. <BR> The present example offers silver-gray centers with smoke-gray peripheries on each side that retain a fair amount of radiance. The eagle's head and breast are predictably weak, and the highpoint edges of the eagle's wings and the highest leaves in the wreath show wear. On the obverse the highpoint tresses show moderate wear. A pleasing level of deep detail remains on each side, however, and this piece would form a wonderful acquisition for an advanced type collection.<BR><BR><B>Coin Engraver:</B> Robert Scot<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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