1821 B-6 Bust Quarter G-T-G : 200 Year Anniversary
1TwoBits
Posts: 464 ✭✭✭✭
The 1821 Browning-6 variety is called an R-7 in both the Rea/Peterson/Karoleff/Kovach book on bust quarters, and the Tompkins book. It is the rarest die marriage of the Large size capped bust quarters. The Tompkins book notes the obverse has a dentil count of 123 and the reverse has a dentil count of 119, while the edge reed count is not noted. There are only six examples known, with only one being mint state.
The obverse die is also used for the 1821 B-1 and B-2 die marriages.
There are die engraving lines between the 8 and 2 of the date.
The first 1 in the date is farther from the rim then the second.
There is a small spur or spike at the base of the bust off the ribbon and above the 8.
There is another small spur or spike at the back of the lower curls, across from star 12.
The reverse die is new and only used for the B-6 die marriage.
The left side of scroll even with the left side of D.
Feather and olive stem are over right sides of 2 and C.
The middle talon of the eagle's left claw extends below the arrow shaft.
Large high period in the denomination.
Die mark from third leaf left of 2 to rim.
The Tompkins book notes that the reverse is weakly struck in the area between the lower area eagle's left wing and the shield, and also at LURI of PLURIBUS in the scroll. This is also seen on the mint state example. Also mentioned is that the reverse die may be a leftover from 1818 because the dentil count is similar. This may also be the case due to the center claw being intact, as it breaks off of the master hub during 1820.
There are two die states:
- Faint reverse crack tops of F AM.
- Reverse cracked from rim to left wing tip. Crack noted above now covers OF AME.
The example below was submitted raw to PCGS. Feel free to try and guess the grade if you'd like, and any comments are always welcome. If you have an 1821 B-6, please post a picture of it.
1TwoBits
Comments
Amazing specimen! Rarity personified.
That's a tough one to grade. I'm going to guess it found itself in a G-6 holder?
“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 example! The reverse does seem similar to the 1819 B-1 and B-2 reverses, so maybe all three reverse dies were prepared in close succession?
That is an outstanding coin! I would go absolutely nuts if I found that coin in the wild.
I’ll call your 6 and raise you by 2 to VG8.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Absolutely splendid rare coin, definitely a centerpiece of an advanced collection. Technically G+ details and above average originality, a few moderate marks..
Guessing PCGS 4 and pq
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
What a great piece! You may have a challenge to get any other examples in this thread. @GoBust ?
This coin has been called from G6 to VG8. I was hoping for the 8, but got the 6.
1TwoBits
I'm with vg 8 as well