Lot 1674
1802, 2 over 1. BD-1, R-4. NGC graded AU-55. Nice even toning on both sides. A few tiny obverse circulation abrasions, none particularly noteworthy. Only 3,035 minted. This is a strikingly attractive and original looking About Uncirculated of the strictest standard for this desirable early gold design. Relatively sharp devices occur on both sides; only the centers are weak, and this is marginally so. Problem-free surfaces on the reverse. Some minor disappearance of the dentils along the left obverse and upper reverse is noted. Elsewhere, the dentils are plainly visible. As is most of E PLURIBUS UNUM on the ribbon, with only UN slightly indistinct. No "diagnostic" markers are seen. The coin somehow escaped the damage and other problems that plague many others in this brief series. The design started in 1796 and ended in 1807. All have Liberty wearing a fashionable (for the day) ladies’ mob cap, with her long tresses streaming out from under it. A large curl at her forehead.
Modern opinion has switched concerning the 1802 "overdate." Harry Bass, John Dannreuther, and other researchers realized that the "overdate" status of this die was questionable. The fact that there were no Quarter Eagles dated 1799, 1800, or 1801 should lend credence to the overdate status of the 1802, but most now have come to the conclusion that whatever is under the 2 is not the vestiges of a 1. This single obverse, however, was paired with three different reverse dies to create the most varieties of any date in the Draped Bust Stars Quarter Eagle series.
(A numismatic curiosity is that the reverse dies for Capped Bust Quarter Eagles were also used for similar-sized Bust Dimes of the same period. The BD1 reverse comes paired with 1802 JR-3 and 1803 JR-2 Dimes!) Pop 8; 47 finer (PCGS # 7650) .
Estimated Value $13,000 - 14,000.
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| Realized $17,647 |
