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484

Lot 484 - 1796 $2.50 Capped Bust. Stars on obverse NGC MS64

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:225,000.00 USD Estimated At:450,000.00 - 500,000.00 USD
Lot 484 - 1796 $2.50 Capped Bust. Stars on obverse NGC MS64
1797 $2.50 Capped Bust.. A lovely specimen, MS-64, and the highest one certified by either of the two top-tier graders, this remarkable coin being one of relatively few Mint States in existence. The 1797 quarter eagle is elusive in any and all grades, with a reported mintage of just 427 pieces. When seen, the typical assignment is VF or EF, sometimes AU, but not often Mint State.

The present coin is warm golden orange, has some duskier toning shades on the high points (defining the grade), and on the obverse has the distinctive die crack from the upper right to the lower right. The reverse is similarly toned and slightly Prooflike, and if it could be graded separately, might be called MS-64 Premium Quality. The striking details are quite good on both sides. Among all early quarter eagles this is one of the most difficult to find in higher grades. As such, the opportunity should be carefully considered.

NGC Census: 1; 0 finer (10/05).

While the 1796 No Stars may get all the publicity among 18th-century quarter eagles, largely from type collectors, the 1797 rivals or surpasses it in elusiveness and is definitely rarer in high grades. A marvelous opportunity awaits here. (#7647)
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