1820 Capped Bust Quarter. B-2. Rarity-2. Large 0. MS-61 (NGC).
This is a pretty piece with superior eye appeal for the assigned grade, derived mostly from the vivid target-like toning in iridescent cobalt blue and reddish-apricot that adorns both sides. A lustrous prooflike appearance also supports the eye appeal, while we note only wispy hairlines precluding a higher Mint State rating. Well struck with most features boldly rendered. The 1820 is the fourth date in the Capped Bust quarter series designed by John Reich. The mintage for that calendar year is 127,444 pieces, although we have no way of knowing whether or not that total corresponds to the mintage from 1820-dated dies. The early United States Mint often used dies randomly and until they broke irretrievably without regard for year of issue, as high quality steel for making dies was in short supply. With five die marriages known and examples among the more available Large Diameter Capped Bust quarters, some 1820-dated examples were likely also included in the reported delivery of 216,851 quarters achieved in 1821. Browning-2 vies with B-4 as the most plentiful variety of this issue, although we caution bidders that the vast majority of survivors are circulated to one degree or another. This Mint State example represents a significant find for high grade type collectors.
PCGS# 38961. BASE PCGS# 5329. NGC ID: 23RL.

Estimate: $5500