1820 25C B-3 MS(PCGS#38962)

1820 25C B-3 MS (PCGS#38962)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Tompkins Die Stage 2/1, Rea et al. Die State P. Tompkins Plate Coin. The Browning-3 is the only die pairing that corresponds to the 1820 Medium 0 Guide Book variety, and neither the obverse nor reverse appear in any other marriage. It is represented here by a fantastically toned near-Mint State coin whose peripheries are splashed with deep, vivid, intense colors of iridescent steel-blue and reddish-apricot. The toning has a somewhat mottled distribution, and it frames areas of virtual brilliance in the centers. Sharply to fully struck in all areas with strong, bright mint frost shining forth as the coin rotates under a light. Just shy of Condition Census for this otherwise readily obtainable Browning number, this captivating example would do equally well in a high grade type set or another specialized collection of early quarter varieties.Steve M. Tompkins Commentary: A gorgeous example that was originally in an ANACS holder certified as Mint State. This coin was used in determining that the 1820 B-3 was a unique variety with respect to the size of the 0 in the date. Before publication of my book, there were only Small 0 and Large 0 designations for this issue. I was able to convince the publishers of the Guide Book and the third-party grading services that there were small, medium and large varieties of the 0.