1796 $2.50 BD-2, No Stars MS(PCGS#45501)

Mid-Winter ANA2000

拍卖行

Superior Galleries

批号

712

等级

MS63

价格

1,965,882

详细说明

1796 No Stars. BD-2, Breen-6113. NGC graded Mint State 63. An almost unbelievable coin in this stellar condition: bold, glowing with prooflike reflection in the fields, a real treat for the appreciative numismatist who knows exactly how rare this year is! The hair and cap is uncommonly bold, so too the drapery, date and LIBERTY above. No stars interfere with the obverse design — something the mint decided was in error and changed before the year was out. For those knowledgeable with the Classic Quarter Eagle period, it will surely come as a surprise that there aren’t any adjustment marks on the obverse. For that matter, nor are there any on the reverse! Awe inspiring as it is, the strike continues to be bold throughout the reverse. Full feathers on the wings, sharp clouds and stars in the “glory” within the space above the eagle; excellent lettering, branch and arrows. About the only weakness to be found is some slight indistinctness at the top of the shield and on the eagles breast, where the feathers do not show. But this is so slight as to be immaterial. The entire coin, in other words, is fit for a king. Superb through¬ out; unimpaired; glowing with mint originality. Furthermore, it is the only example in its grade, with but 2 specimens graded higher (Mint State 65). Reference can be made to the NGC holder number, which is 372561-001. Mintage was 963 pieces. Were you to search the auction catalogs from the beginning of America’s coin period you would be hard-pressed to find another of equal status. One or two may exist “out there” but these made trade quietly by way of private treaty and so escape the notice of the numismatic community. Perhaps only once in a decade does such a magnificent coin as this make an appearance. As magnificent as it is, we feel confident it will surpass anything before it. Bid confidently with this knowledge. “This coin has three distinctions: It is the first precious-metal coin without stars issued for circulation by the USA prior to 1836; it is the first ever to show the heraldic eagle, which would become standard on all silver and gold denominations 1798-1807; it is the earliest made showing 16 reverse stars honoring Tennessee’s admission. The dies show evidence of careless haste, suggesting time pressure. Though documentation is lacking, quarter eagles may have been included in presentation sets commemorating the admission, June 1, 1796.” [Breen encyclopedia] Dies are by Robert Scot who followed his 1795 Half Eagle obverse closely; the reverse is from the Great Seal of the United States. For the most part, survivors are mostly unevenly struck — which is why we are so enthusiastic about the present offering, which has uncharacteristically bold devices.