PCGS Nos: 5348, 5349, 5378

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 398,000
Proofs: estimated 20

Designer: John Reich

Diameter: ±27 millimeters

Metal Content:
Silver - ±89%
Copper - ±11%

Weight: ±104 grains (±6.74 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: None (all dates of this type were struck at Philadelphia)

Images courtesy of Superior Galleries

Varieties (7):
Browning 1 - Scarce
Browning 2 - Common
Browning 3 - Rare
Browning 4 - Very Common
Browning 5 - Scarce 
Browning 6 - Scarce
Browning 7 - Extremely Rare

Significant examples:
PCGS AU-58 (illustrated above).  Ex - Superior Galleries' "Pre-Long Beach Sale", October 1-3, 2000, Lot 3144, where it was described as follows: "1831 Large Letters NGC MS65 Bright with silvery bloom, the luster seems to explode off the surface it is so fresh, so gleaming and "just from the dies". To go with the luster, a hint -- the merest hint -- of toning, but at first glance the coin appears snowy white. Everything about Liberty and the eagle is impressive. From their silvery frostiness to the depth of detail. We find a full and complete cap, full hair curls, outstanding drapery, detail in the clasp. On the eagle, needle-sharpness everywhere, including the knobby feet and scimitar-shaped claws. Here, without qualifications, is a coin for a museum class set of American coinage.  Mint Director Samuel Moore laid the cornerstone of the new Philadelphia Mint in 1829 and two years later this handsome 1831 Bust Quarter was produced at the spanking new coin factory. William Kneass tried to improve the early Quarter design by removing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM but keeping the basic John Reich design of 1815-28."

Recent appearances:
See variety listings

Notes:
The finest Uncirculated "Small Letters" examples graded by PCGS are 3 MS-66's.

The finest Uncirculated "Large Letters" examples graded by PCGS are 3 MS-65's.

The finest Proof "Large Letters" example graded by PCGS is a single PR-66.

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"The PCGS Population Report, July 2003" by The Professional Coin Grading Service

"John Reich Journal, January 2001", Volume 13, Issue 2, page 15