1796 25C MS(PCGS#5310)

Spring 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3038

等级

AU58

价格

573,288

详细说明

This well centered near-Mint example offers strong design definition for the issue, especially at the full dentils. There is the usual hint of weakness at the centers; fully struck examples of this date are practically unheard of. Frosty surfaces exhibit iridescent steel-olive and antique silver toning with undertones of cobalt blue and champagne-pink further enhancing the eye appeal. A tiny planchet void on Liberty's cheek is as made; there no adjustment marks, and no handling marks worthy of undue concern.<p>The Draped Bust, Small Eagle design type of 1796 represents the first year of the denomination - the dime of the same general design type also debuted in this year. Only 6,146 examples of this elusive quarter dollar issue were produced. The obverse design is attributed to Gilbert Stuart and the reverse to Chief Engraver Robert Scot. Most of the examples known today are well worn, with many also exhibiting significant impairments such as holes or scratches. Fortunately for today's collectors, there are Choice AU and a scattering of Mint State 1796 quarters known, as well. Whenever such high grade rarities appear on the market, as here, they always attract a great deal of attention.<p>After this initial coinage of quarter dollars, it wasn't until 1804 that the Mint again received orders for this denomination from contemporary bullion depositors. By then, the Small Eagle reverse had been supplanted by the Heraldic or Large Eagle style. The 1796 quarter is recognized as a rarity, but one that is available to those with patience and a strong numismatic budget. Its status as a one-year design appeals to both early quarter specialists and advanced type collectors. In AU-58, as offered here, the competition will be fierce when this lovely quarter dollar crosses the auction block.