SUPERBLY TONED 1805 QUARTER EAGLE

BD-1, R-4.

The 1805 quarter eagle has a low mintage of 1,781 coins and it is estimated that only 100-150 are known today. Some nice circulated pieces are known but many of these have little character due to having been stripped at one time. Still others have unsightly adjustment marks or circulation-induced surface flaws.

This superbly toned 1805 quarter eagle shows some of the richest, most intense color that I have seen on an early U.S. gold coin. I am certain it is natural as I have seen other quarter eagles of this date (and a few dated 1807) with similar hues. These hues were likely acquired from storage in an old wood coin cabinet. The visual impact from this color, which is mostly a deep reddish and steel-blue hue, is compounded by the devices which give a "circulated cameo" effect. The surfaces are almost totally free of abrasions and the only adjustment marks are seen on the shield and are nicely masked by the toning.

Only one PCGS AU50 1805 quarter eagle has sold at auction since 2003. It was last offered as Goldberg 1/15: 1854 where it brought $18,800 and before this it sold for $18,400 as Heritage 4/10: 2195. While it was CAC stickered, this coin had heavy adjustment marks across the portrait.

If you have been looking for a Capped Bust Right quarter eagle and you like exceptional color, then this is your coin!

Ex Heritage 4/08: 3239 ($14,985) where it was graded EF45 and in an old small-size ANACS holder