1806/4 Capped Bust Right Quarter Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-4+. Stars 8x5. MS-63 (PCGS).
A remarkable and, in a PCGS holder, unrivaled and unsurpassable quality survivor of this rare and conditionally challenged early gold variety. Intensely lustrous surfaces are semi-prooflike on the obverse, more uniformly frosty in texture on the reverse. The latter side is awash in vivid reddish-rose iridescence that yields to softer golden-olive color throughout much of the obverse. Central striking softness is typical of the die pairing, and we note appreciably sharper detail toward the borders. Free of troublesome adjustment marks and carefully preserved with just a few wispy handling marks that hardly detract. BD Die State b/b. This is a difficult coin to find in any grade at all, as only 75 to 90 examples exist today from a reported mintage of 1,136 pieces (this estimate per John W. Dannreuther, 2006). The rarity of this particular variety should be put into perspective, for it is actually one of the more available in the Capped Bust Right quarter eagle series, all of which are rare by any numismatic standard. Few collectors will have the opportunity to own one at any level of preservation, while only the most fortunate can secure a Mint State example on the rare occasions when such coins appear at auction. Prior to our offering of the Pogue specimen in May 2015, in fact, it had been more than 15 years since any PCGS-graded Mint State coin of this issue has been sold. David W. Akers, whose grading would be described as conservative today, stated "strictly Mint State examples are exceedingly rare and I have never personally examined one, although a few are reported to exist." The offered coin is the first Uncirculated 1806/4 quarter eagle to appear at auction since our sale of the Pogue specimen. Certified MS-63 by PCGS, it ranks ahead of the MS-62 Pogue coin in the Condition Census for the BD-1 die pairing. Possibly a once in a lifetime bidding opportunity for the advanced early gold enthusiast, and one that warrants serious consideration and an aggressive bidding strategy.
PCGS# 7654. NGC ID: BFVW.
PCGS Population: 1; 0 finer at this service.
From the Andrew M. Hain Collection.

Estimate: $90000