1805 25C MS(PCGS#5313)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4214

Grade

AU55

Price

6,600

Lot Description

Tompkins Die Stage 1/1, Rea et al. Die State a. Much frosty to semi-reflective luster remains on both sides of this minimally circulated example. This die pairing is notorious for poor striking detail and, indeed, the offered coin is a bit soft in the centers, the reverse with several fine vertical planchet adjustment marks (as made) discernible within and around the top of the shield, the eagle's breast and head. The obverse stars are blunt and lack centrils, and star 4 within the field on the reverse is completely missing. The impression is nicely centered, however, and those areas unaffected by softness of strike retain bold definition in the absence of all but light wear. Wisps of light burnt-orange toning drift over both sides, leaving areas of silvery brilliance that are also easily appreciated as the coin rotates under a light. We note wispy, well scattered marks from time spent in circulation, the most significant a pair of faint pin scratches in the reverse field at the letters ER in AMERICA.<p>Representing the only uses of these dies for the 1805-dated quarter, the Browning-4 is the third rarest attribution of the issue behind B-5 and B-1. Survivors are scare in an absolute sense and become increasingly rare in grades that approach Mint State. The offered coin is tied for CC#6 in the 2010 Rea et al. census; it is not listed in the 2008 Tompkins Condition Census, which does not go below AU-58.<p>Both dies for the 1805 B-4 attribution were used later for the 1806-dated Browning-1 pairing, the obverse overdated for that purpose. The reverse went on to also strike coins in the 1807 B-1 pairing.<p><strong>Steve M. Tompkins Commentary:</strong> For many years I carried an AU-58 in my collection, but unfortunately had to sell it. I looked for many years for a suitable replacement until just a few years ago, when this coin appeared. It is much nicer in-hand than the photos would suggest.