1796 NS Quarter Eagle

HBCC#:

3001

Breen#:

6113

BD#:

1

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This design by engraver Robert Scot introduced the quarter eagle denomination in 1796. Two die varieties are known from a single obverse die and two reverse dies. This variety was the very first struck and is a major rarity. Harry Bass is credited with its discovery in the early 1970s. Just four examples are currently known including a second example from the Bass Collection that was sold in May 2000. The coin displayed is believed to be the finest known among the four examples currently identified. Just 66 coins were delivered September 22,1796; they are believed to be the entire mintage of this variety.

Provenance:

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, December 13, 1971.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

"Obverse 1, state (a), not lapped. Reverse A. Cracks. First reverse die used. Very rare, 4-5 known."