1802/'1' $2.50 BD-1, Spike Shield MS(PCGS#45506)

Harry W. Bass, Jr. III

拍卖行

Bowers & Merena

批号

81

等级

AU55

价格

109,870

详细说明

1802 BD-1, Breen-6118, Breen-1,3. “Overdate.” AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous bright yellow gold with a hint of orange and green toning. Several very minor surface abrasions are noted, and probably shouldn’t be mentioned at all, for that is what grading numbers are all about—one expects certain things at certain grade levels. All told, this piece is a truly outstanding example of the 1802 quarter eagle—consistent with the general tenor of the Bass Collection. Historically, the 1802 quarter eagle has been catalogued as 1802/1, an overdate, but we see no reason to attribute it as such—as there is absolutely no trace of a 1 under the 2 on this piece or any other 1802 quarter eagle that has come under our view. This variety was included in Breen’s quarter eagle monograph under two different varieties, Breen-1 and Breen-3. It is now recognized that both were struck from the same die pair. This is the least rare of three known 1802 quarter eagle varieties. The bust of Liberty is surrounded by light clash marks, including a nearly complete star at base of neck and shield stripes above the cap. A thin reverse die crack from the inner curve of C passes to the right lower point of this letter, through the center of final A, to the border. Minor clash marks are visible. A die scratch, diagnostic for this reverse die, from the left corner of the shield extends left to center of the wing. A faint die scratch from tip of second feather at right, joins left diagonal of first A. just above center. Purchased from Paramount, December 3, 1969.