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Images courtesy of Ira
& Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc.
Notes:
The finest 1806/5 7x6 Stars Quarter Eagles graded by PCGS are 3 AU-58's.
The finest 1806/5 Quarter Eagles graded by
NGC is a single MS-63.
Significant examples:
NGC MS-63 (illustrated below).
- Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. "The Benson
Collection, Part III, February 24-25, 2003, Lot 1900, illustrated, where
it was described as follows: "NGC graded MS-63. Here is the finest
graded example of this rare date at both NGC and PCGS. The surfaces show
just a faint scattering of ticks from handling over the two centuries, and
most of the luster is present in the protected areas. We note that the
surfaces show no adjustment marks, and are therefore more pleasing to the
eye. Further, the reported mintage of this date is a scant 480 coins, of
which the combined NGC and PCGS population reports show 19 graded. Of
these 19 surviving coins, this particular example is the finest one seen,
and most likely the very finest known! The strike is very sharp too,
without the usual weakness seen at the central reverse, and the neck
feathers and head are visible.
We note some delicate coppery toning around the obverse periphery, and a
tiny die crack connects the interior points of stars five to seven, then
another crack is noted from the upper point of star seven along the tops
of LIBE. It is interesting to note that the reverse die was used to coin
quarter eagles of 1805 B-1, 1806 B-1, 1806 B-2 (the present variety), 1807
B-1 and then the same reverse was used to coin the common 1807 JR-1 dimes.
Average die life for the period was 11,000 strikes (or coins) before the
die was normally cracked or worn enough to be replaced. This particular
reverse die lasted for 175,000 strikes, and was only retired as the
reverse design was replaced by the new John Reich Capped bust in 1808 on
gold coins and in 1809 on dimes. This 1806/5 Capped Bust to right quarter
eagle die pairing or die marriage is certainly the rarest of the five
different combinations listed above.
One further note, this particular obverse die was used to also coin 1805
quarter eagles and was later overdated to the 1806, 6 over 5. Therefore,
as both the obverse and reverse dies were used to coin 1805 quarter
eagles, this is the identical die pairing used in 1805 and the only change
being the overdate! Hence the 1805 quarter eagle is therefore the exact
same die variety as this 1806, 6 over 5! This claim can doubtless be made
by just a few examples in American numismatics at most.", bought back
by the consignor for $120,750.00
Recent appearances:
NGC MS-61 (illustrated above).
- Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. "The Benson
Collection, Part III, February 24-25, 2003, Lot 1901, illustrated, where
it was described as follows: "...NGC graded MS-61. An extremely rare
coin with a mintage of a scant 480 pieces, and obviously few were saved.
This particular example is well struck with good curls on Liberty and a
full quotient of feathers on the eagle. Even the shield lines are present,
although a few horizontal ones are slightly weak. There are a few minor
adjustment marks on the obverse, some near Liberty's temple, others by the
date. The fields and surfaces are clean for the grade, and ample luster
resides in the fields. NGC has graded 9 examples in all, with this one the
sole MS-61, and 3 others are noted higher...", bought back by the
consignor for $76,820.00
Sources and/or
recommended reading:
"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial
Coins" by Walter Breen
"The PCGS Population
Report, April 2004" by The
Professional Coin Grading Service
"The NGC Census
Report, April 2003" by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
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