1831 25C Small Letters MS(PCGS#5348)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4310

Grade

AU50

Price

780

Lot Description

Tompkins Die Stage 1/3, Rea et al. Die State P. <strong>Tompkins Plate Coin</strong>. A softly frosted, appreciably lustrous example with minimal peripheral toning to generally light silver gray surfaces. Boldly struck throughout, even at the denomination 25 C., which can be soft on survivors from this die pairing.<p><strong>Steve M. Tompkins Commentary:</strong> The 1831 year is filled with more variety than any other year found in the early quarter series. So much so that I wrote an article on this subject published in the <em>John Reich Journal</em> (March 2009 Vol. 19/3). There are three different styles of numerals in the denomination, two different sizes of lettering in the reverse legend, two different sizes of arrowheads on the reverse, and one die with two different sizes of numerals punched over each other in the date - all of this marking the Mint's transition to the smaller close collar design. These were also the first new quarter dies completely designed and engraved by William Kneass since becoming Chief Engraver following the death of Robert Scot in 1824.