1825 Quarter Eagle

HBCC#:

3022

Breen#:

6129

BD#:

3

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This is the third variety among 1825 quarter eagles with a new reverse die that began service this year. This reverse die was also used for quarter eagles dated 1826 and 1827. Only about 20 examples survive from this die pair, with this and a second example, HBCC-3023, displayed as part of the Bass Collection. The limited mintages throughout the 1820s reflected the value of gold in these coins, which exceeded face value. Certain Congressional delegates, including Senator Thomas Hart Benton, requested their salaries be paid in gold coins, which eventually became known as “Benton’s Mint Drops.”

Provenance:

From Superior's sale of the Gilhousen Collection, February 1973, Lot 110.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

"Obverse: 5 repunched. Reverse: New, reused in 1826-27."