1796 25C MS(PCGS#5310)

1796 25C MS (PCGS#5310)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Tompkins Die Stage 2/1, Rea et al. Die State P. A handsome and desirable Fine grade example of this early U.S. Mint classic. Warmly toned surfaces exhibit dominant pewter gray with enhancing reddish-gold around the obverse periphery, reverse border with deeper steely-russet patina. Border denticulation is essentially complete, just a bit soft at upper right reverse, and all major design elements are boldly outlined and readily appreciable. Wispy handling marks are minimal for the grade, and none are worthy of individual attention.<p>The 1796 quarter has long been an object of desire for all who form type sets of American coinage. Struck only in this single year, the Draped Bust obverse in combination with the Small Eagle reverse is very rare relative to the demand for it, as no type set can be complete without an example. Survivors are scarce as the mintage was just 6,146 pieces. The Mint required two obverse dies and one reverse to achieve this mintage, with Browning-2, as offered here, the more frequently encountered by a small margin. This 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.