1815 25C MS(PCGS#5321)

The June 2012 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2568

Grade

XF40

Price

940

Lot Description

1815 Capped Bust Quarter. B-1, the only known dies. Rarity-1. E Counterstamp. EF-40 (Uncertified). The enigmatic variety with a counterstamped E above Liberty's cap on the obverse. Deep navy blue toning with a variety of rainbow toning is seen on the obverse, the reverse a blend of steel gary surface with deep royal blue toning. Modestly circulated but essentially free of distracting marks. The meaning of this counterstamp has been discussed at great length in numismatic articles, but no conclusion has ever been drawn as to why counterstamps were made on only certain varieties and apparently at the time of issue. PCGS# 5321.