As the young American economy began to flourish in the early 19th century, deposits of silver bullion at the
United States Mint increased. The hiatus of the silver dollar beginning in 1804 meant that the half dollar was the largest silver denomination available, and it was embraced as the backbone to commerce for the three decades to follow. From a start of just 750,000
Capped Bust half dollars struck in 1807, mintages quickly rose into seven figures. By 1825, mintages had twice surpassed two million and nearly three million would be struck for 1825. Even so, the vast majority of these pieces were placed into circulation, saw heavy use, and were melted over the following century.
Historic 1794 Starred Reverse Cent Featured in Stack s Bowers March Las Vegas Auction coinweek.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from coinweek.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
In 1820, a quarter dollar was the typical cost for attending theatrical events and similar entertainments in
New York City, events that today might cost tens or even hundreds of dollars. Alongside the half dollar, the quarter was a workhorse of everyday commerce and most examples that left the
United States Mint wound up heavily worn within a few years.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is delighted to offer one of the most spectacular
1820 Capped Bust quarters in our March 2021 Las Vegas Auction. Graded MS-66 (NGC), it ranks as the sole finest known of the
1820 Browning-4 variety. Delightful golden-tan patina dominates this Gem, revealing vibrant splashes of olive-gold and turquoise-blue iridescence around the design elements. The eye appeal is strong, and the surfaces are lovely, even under a glass. A light prooflike shimmer is noted in the field contrasting with more satiny luster on the devices.
The
Proof 1870 quarter eagle is a tremendous rarity in all grades and only an estimated 10 to 12 survivors are known from a mintage of just 35 examples. Researcher
John Dannreuther notes that the first delivery of 25 coins occurred on February 3, while the remaining 10 coins were delivered on June 1. The obverse die was used to strike both the 35 Proofs and the 4,520 circulation-strikes for the year, and very few coins exhibit strong cameo contrast. In addition, most examples are found in grades of Proof-65 and below due to cabinet friction and other imperfections.
Stack’s Bowers is delighted to showcase an incredible Proof-66 DCAM (PCGS) in our March 2021