1828 Bust quarter, B-2

rhedden

The Browning-2 variety of 1828 is a tough R4+ coin and an "unaided eye" variety that is easily identified by the square base in the "2" of "25 C". The other varieties for the year have either a curl-base "2" (B-1, B-4) or a "25/50" error (B-3). I own the coin below, but I had difficulty establishing a fair market price on it while appraising my Busties last week due to lack of data. Heritage has only sold 12 of them over the years in all grades. Though not listed in the Red Book, it seems like it merits inclusion, as it's a major variety that can be picked out instantly without a loupe. Anyone else think this variety could be a real "sleeper"? Keep in mind that "curl base" and "square base" 2's are considered major variety features in other series, as with 1820 and 1827 half dollars, and the 1829 dime. Care to put a fair market value on my modest example?

Baley

Here's one I picked up a couple years ago (early 2007), described and scanned by Rich Uhrich as:

1828 quarter B-2 an R-5 variety Fine, cleaned once and starting to tone back. Obverse has full rims, full sharp LIBERTY, a few minor toned-over scratches, rim scrape at K-8 that doesn't disturb the reeding. Reverse has full rims and denticles and nearly full horizontal and vertical lines in shield, all letters in motto full except 2 U's in UNUM, scratch from ES of STATES across to ME of AMERICA. Very eye appealing despite the problems $300
(I feel I got a good deal and haven't found an upgrade since)

Baley

TTT

Yes, the coin is a real "sleeper" if interest in them begins and ends with us 2 collectors

Moldnut

I've seen them from time to time with not much of any premium attached to them. I would put it at about the same scarcity as the 1919 B4. Brian Greer has a 1919 B4 in VG listed for $145 if that is any indicator of pricing.

JJteaparty had this one in their ad a few weeks ago too: 1828 B-2. PQ. Looks Fine grade. Sharp motifs. Lovely, soft silver gray toning. Pleasing in every regard. VG-10 PCGS $249.00



Some of these better die marriages are not as scarce as once thought and may need to be brought down a bit. The 1919 B1 is a prime example.

rhedden

I think the 1828 B-2 is a legit R4 coin, personally. However, I think the 1819 B1 is no better than R3, and it might be R2. Those are offered for sale all the time. I put $180 for the value of my B-2 in my self-coin-appraisal file, though I suspect it could fetch more in an auction.

Billet7

1828 B-2

Moldnut

<< <i>I think the 1828 B-2 is a legit R4 coin, personally. However, I think the 1819 B1 is no better than R3, and it might be R2. Those are offered for sale all the time. I put $180 for the value of my B-2 in my self-coin-appraisal file, though I suspect it could fetch more in an auction. >>



Yes, I would agree that the 1828 B2 is still an R4 coin. As far as the 1919 B1 goes, I dont feel good calling it an R3 yet, but you will notice that the author of the Bust Quarter book has listed a 1919 B1 for sale on ebay which he is now calling it an R4 as well. Im glad he has done this as its clearly not in the R5 level as far as I can tell.