Collection of 1805 Draped Bust Quarters: Grading and Attributing the Die Varieties

Baley

I just got a little farther on my set of 1805 quarters by die variety with this new purchase





This coin is a Browning-3, the obverse die readily attributed by the 5 in the date leaning right and not touching the bust, the lower left star far from the hair, as well as the broken feet on the 1, I and T. The reverse is the same used on the B-2, with the gap in the dentils above the E in STATES.

This is the most common die variety of the date, but this is a scarce Die State V, with cracks at star 4 to the ribbon, from the 1 in the date to the 2 lower stars, and from the bottom edge through the 5 in the date. You can also see the crack throught the tops of STA and from the rim through the first T in STATES.

There are also heavy clash marks on the reverse, notably from Liberty's drapery in the field of the reverse between STATES and OF and from the ribbon to the lower left of the eagle, and on the obverse above Liberty's bust line, from the eagle's wing. E in Liberty is very weak, probably due to a heavy clash with the tail.

hey, I realize it ain't no Wisconsin "extra leaf" but it is 200 years old and still has impressive cleavage

I also really like the detail in the Eagle's head on this piece, he looks like he means business

what do you think it grades?

wam98

VF-25

Edit to add: according to old ANA grading standards, if stars are worn smooth it would have to fit in F-12 and needs seperation of tail feathers to go VF.

CUEBALL

I'll also go with a VF-25. I love these old draped bust coins. You just can't go wrong.

Baley

Thanks guys, I think VF25 might be a little generous although when we consider the variety and die state, VF20 might be an appropriate grade. Graded as a type coin, we'd probably have to go F15 since there's no F18

Baley

Compare this B2 coin of the same date, you can see the relative spacing of the stars is slightly different, and the 5 in the date is slightly canted left instead of right, and gently touches the bust. As noted, the reverse is the same as the above coin. On this obverse, the R in LIBERTY is weak at right.



Note the die break that connects Liberty's left nipple to the rim.



Again, clash marks are prominent on this reverse (and might be mistaken for scratches in a picture)

Is that Liberty's nose below the eagle's left (to our right) wing? I believe it is!

I'm not crazy about the Eagle's expression here, he looks a little like a pidgeon, or parrot (eye too low)

Baley

Here's the very elusive B1 variety, all letters of LIBERTY strong



On this obverse, the 5 in the date is straight



This marriage has the same reverse as on the 1804 quarters, the D in United touches the third feather

Also compare the position of 25 C. in relation to the tail, arrow feathers, and olive stem on the 3 coins

The B1 and B2 are maybe VG10 or so, the B1 might have claims to fine except the surfaces are a little clean

seanq

Hey Baley, any chance you can attribute this one for me while you're in that frame of mind?



I think it's a Browning-2, comparing it to your pictures. It looks to me like it shares the same reverse, anyway, I can see Miss Liberty's nose under the eagles wing.


Sean Reynolds

Baley

Hi Sean, yep, B2, and what a terrific clip!

Baley

So... if someone reading this has a B5 that's available for sale, I'd be thrilled to overpay for it... even a picture of the coin would be nice...

PreTurb

Baley

Thanks Pre-Turb, although heavily worn, the coin you posted sure does look like a B5. Yours?

PreTurb

Baley,

I bought it on ebay in 2002 using BIN for $55 - it was being offered as a half dollar. Sold it a few months ago for $145 after deciding to divest myself of all non- half dollars... Apparently, it's a high R5 variety.

Baley

Wow, I wish I'd seen it, I'd have adden an increment to the price! Yeah, tough coin.

This is the B4:





Here the 5 in the date does not touch the bust. This is the obverse that was overdated to the well-known 1806/5

On the reverse, the C in 25 C. overlaps the first tail feather and touches the second. The olive branch has 4 berries, unique to this reverse; all the other reverses of the type have 5.



I grade this coin Good and would be interested in an upgrade

stman

Baley, I have no idea what you're talking about on these. But can appreciate you taking the time to do so.

seanq

So Baley, what are the diagnostics of a B-5? I love a good cherrypicking challenge.


Sean Reynolds

Baley

Hi Sean,
The B5 has the B1 obverse. The reverse has the D touching the wing as in B1, but with a long stem nearly touching the C in 25 C, which touches the tail. The star is free of the beak. And, there is a gap in the dentils above the I in AMERICA. Cherry one of these and offer it to me for an obscene profit!

ps. thanks stman