1821 Quarter Eagle

HBCC#:

3018

Breen#:

6126

BD#:

1

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

Robert Scot modified the John Reich obverse design after the latter retired from Mint service four years earlier. It seems plausible that Reich’s new designs for the coinage, replacing Scot’s former designs, resulted in some jealousy, although it is not likely that documentation exists to this effect. This new design by Scot has a smaller bust and cap with more finely treated hair curls. This example is among the finest of 6,448 coins struck. The mintage is second highest of any quarter eagle from 1796 to early 1834. Approximately 80 examples survive today along with a small number of Proofs.

Provenance:

From Superior's sale of the Gilhousen Collection, February 1973, Lot 108.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

"Obverse: Scot's Capped Head. Reverse: Reused in 1824 and 1825."