1808 $2.50 MS(PCGS#7660)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2006

Grade

XF40

Price

102,000

Lot Description

BD Die State b. Offered is a desirable example of this classic one-year design type in the early U.S. gold series. Deep orange-olive color blankets both sides, which also reveal hints of more vivid pinkish-rose patina. The texture is satiny overall with faint traces of original luster discernible with patience. Circulated survivors of this issue usually come noticeably marked, although here the in-hand appearance is quite smooth, if a tad glossy to suggest an ancient, light cleaning. The strike is sharp for this type, especially over the focal points in and around the centers, and there are no troublesome adjustment marks. The eye appeal is strong for an 1808 quarter eagle at the assigned grade level. All in all, a thoroughly satisfying example that will appeal equally to advanced type collectors and early gold specialists.<p>One of the most eagerly sought issues among classic United States Mint gold coins, the 1808 is the only quarter eagle of the Capped Bust Left design type credited to Assistant Engraver John Reich. The Mint first used Reich's design in 1807 on the half dollar and half eagle, those being the most popular silver and gold denominations with bullion depositors. The quarter eagle, however, was not nearly as popular, and comparatively few examples were struck from the denomination's introduction in 1796 until 1834. In fact, the 1808 proved to be the final quarter eagle struck at the Mint until 1821, in which year the Capped Head Left motif replaced Reich's Capped Bust Left design.<p>The mintage of the 1808 quarter eagle was only 2,710 pieces, and attrition through melting was high, as was the case with all pre-1834 U.S. gold coins. According to John W. Dannreuther (<em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-1834</em>, 2006), only 125 to 150 coins are extant in all grades. Such a small population in no way meets the demand for attractive 1808 quarter eagles, and examples such as that offered here rarely remain on the market for long. Indeed, we anticipate strong competition for this significant rarity, and urge interested parties to bid strongly.