| Description |
1806/5 25C MS66 S NGC. B-1, R.2. Ex: "Col." E.H.R. Green. The 1806/5 B-1 quarter is a popular overdate variety, in demand both as a die marriage and as a major Guide Book variety. Remnants of the 5 under the 6 in the date are clearly visible, with the bottom loop of the 5 appearing at the lower left of the 6. Naked-eye overdates such as the 1806/5 B-1 quarter are extremely popular with variety collectors. The obverse of the 1806/5 B-1 quarter is the same die that was previously used for the 1805 B-4 die marriage offered above. The reverse is also from the same die pair, so the 1806/5 is technically a late die state of the 1805 B-4. Of course, the dates are different with a 6 punched over the 5, so collectors will seek examples of both varieties. When steel dies were actually used, they became brittle, and the modification of those work-hardened dies was virtually impossible. We are only aware of two other occurrences at the first Mint where dies were changed after being used, and those other two occasions are also 1806/5 overdate coins, one in the half dollar series and another among quarter eagles. After discontinuance of silver dollars by the order of President Jefferson, the half dollars were the largest silver coins in production, and those coins became the standard for banking transactions and exportation. As a result, the quarter dollars were the largest silver denomination available for everyday transactions. For that reason, Mint State examples such as this Premium Gem from the Eric P. Newman Collection are elusive. Although the 1806/5 B-1 quarter is plentiful when all grades are considered, examples are infrequently seen in Mint State grades. Only about a dozen Mint State pieces are known, and the Newman specimen is the finest known example, ahead of one MS65 and three MS64 examples in the Condition Census. This piece is the Early Quarter Dollars of the United States Mint plate coin. Of the mere four 1806-dated quarters certified MS66, it is the only one with the Star designation for exceptional eye appeal. This is the finest 1806 quarter of any die variety. This example is the usual die state with faint reverse die cracks joining the tops of UNI and ST. The left center of the shield is weak on this example, as it is on all known examples. The reverse die was used for three different varieties bearing three different dates, and Mint State examples of all three of those varieties appear in the present offering. The obverse is beautifully toned, with a combination of deep blue and reddish-gold at the borders, giving Liberty a cameo appearance. The reverse is also attractively toned, with medium silver at the center, and blue and gold toning in the peripheral areas. Census: 2 in 66 (1 in 66 S), 0 finer (10/13). Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $50.00; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $152,750.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
