1796 25C MS(PCGS#5310)

June 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2002

Grade

AG3

Price

8,400

Lot Description

Tompkins Die Stage 3/1, Rea et al. Die State c, with the series of heavy obverse cracks at upper right border readily evident despite overall heavy wear. Deeply toned overall in charcoal-gray, both sides have lost portions of the design to heavy commercial use. Part of Liberty's portrait is outlined, the date is faint but discernible, and the obverse also retains some portion of most peripheral stars. The reverse is weaker, especially at the left and right peripheries, but the middle of the eagle's body, top of the wreath, and letters ES O in STATES OF are bold. A planchet lamination (as made) on the reverse originates at the lower left border and extends up to its widest point to the right of the eagle's left talon. There are no post-production marks or other blemishes of note.<p>The Draped Bust, Small Eagle design type of 1796 represents the first year of the denomination - the dime of the same general design type also debuted in this year. The obverse design is attributed to Gilbert Stuart and the reverse to Chief Engraver Robert Scot. Only 6,146 examples of this elusive quarter dollar issue were produced. After this initial coinage of quarter dollars, it wasn't until 1804 that the Mint again received orders for this denomination from contemporary bullion depositors. By then, the Small Eagle reverse had been supplanted by the Heraldic or Large Eagle style. The 1796 quarter is recognized as a rarity, but one that is available to those with patience and a strong numismatic budget. Its status as a one-year design appeals to both early quarter specialists and advanced type collectors.<p>The (slightly) more obtainable die marriage of the 1796 quarter, Browning-2 is the High 6 variety of the issue, so named because the digit 6 in the date is closer to the bust than on the B-1 Low 6 variety.