1821 B-5 Bust Quarter G-T-G : 200 Year Anniversary

The 1821 Browning-5 variety is called an R-4 in both the Rea/Peterson/Karoleff/Kovach book on bust quarters, and the Tompkins book. It is a somewhat scarce variety, but available in all grades. The Tompkins book notes the obverse has a dentil count of 128 and the reverse has a dentil count of 123, while the edge reed count is 108. There are at least two proofs known, as well as the existence of 3 copper die transfers with 136 hand cut reeds.
The obverse and reverse dies for the 1821 B-5 are new dies and only used with this particular die marriage.
Some of the obverse diagnostics include:
- A low wide date, with the 8 leaning left
- 1 centered under hair curl
- Star 1 points to lower drapery curl
- Star 6 is repunched
Some of the reverse diagnostics include:
- A square base 2 and large 5, with the 2 slightly lower than the 5
- A1 is above T3 at the base
- Die line from left scroll end to D
- E3 below M at the base
- The O in OF is high
- Middle talon of eagles left claw broken even with arrow shaft
- Reverse center dot between 5th and 6th crossbar
There isn't a lot going on with die states for the 1821 B-5. There is an obverse die line from the lower bust to the 1 in the date (see below). Then the obverse die is lapped removing the die line. It is noted by Tompkins that most stars will be flatly struck with no center radials.
The example below was in an NGC holder before being crossed to PCGS. Feel free to try and guess the NGC and PCGS grades if you'd like, and any comments are always welcome. If you have an 1821 B-5, please post a picture of it.
1TwoBits
Comments
Oh wow, that's beautiful! I would guess MS64?
I agree, wow, that’s an amazing early quarter, the eye appeal is off the chart. No idea what either service graded it.
Out of my capability to grade with any certainty. Beautiful coin regardless of grade. Congrats and thanks for sharing.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Drop dead gorgeous is what it is
Wonderful example!
Not sure how much the area above the cap or the left facing obverse field and neck scrapes affected the grade, but the coin appears Choice, and the luster appears full.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Nice one!
I’ll take a shot here and guess 62/62.
Great example from your set.
Il say 63, fwiw
Beautiful piece! I'm out of my depth in grading these though... especially from a picture! If someone mistakes the areas in Ms. Liberty's cap or on the eagle's right wing as breaks in luster... I could see anywhere from 58 to 64...
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Very nice quarter. I will guess MS63.
64/64. Good looking coin.
AU58 but probably graded as MS. A very nice coin.
I’ll go MS62. Very nice example.
Here is mine, graded VG8 by NGC:

Gorgeous example of this somewhat scarce variety, overall looks 64 to me, small rather inconspicuous marks and perhaps tiny rub so I'll guess N63 then P62.
Also like NSP, mine is more pedestrian, recently found one that fits the average grede of my other early quarters
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Really nice example. Thanks for sharing!
That looks like an MS63 to me....Good detail with some field tics.... Cheers, RickO
Most everyone was right there with the grades, or very close.
NGC liked it for an MS63, and it crossed to PCGS as MS62.
Thanks for the comments and for posting your examples.
1TwoBits