Lot 386
1818. NGC graded MS-66+. Light hint of blue and gold tone. This is one of the more difficult Types to obtain in superb condition. The Capped Bust Quarter in the large format was made only in the years 1815, and again in 1818 to 1828, with none minted in 1826. The almost unmatched technical quality of this Gem BU 1818 certainly sets it apart from most. This is a simply gorgeous Gem with lovely toning as mentioned. Both sides are frosty in texture with well centered, sharply defined features and only the lightest striking softness over the highest portions of Liberty's hair curls and the eagle's talons. With no harmful abrasions, this coin is every bit the MS66 "+" premium quality Gem you would expect from the assigned grade. Note as well how few are reported in the NGC census: Pop 2; 2 finer, 1 in 67, 1 in 67 Star .
Design by John Reich. According to the Breen encyclopedia, "John Reich was a German engraver who sold himself into indentured service to reach the USA during the Napoleonic wars. As early as 1801 he sought a post in the Philadelphia Mint, but Chief Engraver Robert Scot was unwilling to tolerate any outsiders, presumably fearing replacement. However, by 1807 Scot's age and health (probably eyesight) were already a source of enough official concern that the Mint authorities began looking for assistant engravers. On April 1, 1807, they hired Reich, at $600 per year (even then a pittance for so demanding a job). Reich's first assignment was indeed a slap at Scot: He was to redesign all denominations."
Reich's new conception for the silver coins was a bold image of Liberty, wearing a "mobcap" ("a round, gathered or pleated cloth, usually linen, bonnet consisting of a caul to cover the hair, a frilled or ruffled brim, and, often, a ribbon band, worn by married women in the Georgian period, when it was called a bonnet" explains the Wikipedia entry). The cap is inscribed with her name. This was for generations misnamed a turban by numismatists who apparently never saw a real one; and even from the beginning it was taken to represent the pilleus or Phrygian liberty cap, whereas Reich actually intended it as a fashionable headdress, somewhat like that on some portraits of Martha Washington. The intermittent mintage of this denomination reflected public preference for Spanish and Mexican 2-real coins, which were legal tender at par though lighter in weight, and half dollars; heavier federal quarters tended to be hoarded, finally many being melted in 1853.
Estimated Value $30,000 - 35,000.
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| Realized $41,125 |
