Browning 2 1804 bust quarter variety.

bidask · February 18, 2009 11:00AM

How hard is it to get one of these?

Is it a significant variety?

Are there many variety collectors of bust quarters out there?

Walter Breen says they are rare. I saw one here.

firstmint · February 18, 2009 12:27PM

Forget Walter Breen... get a copy of Steve Tompkins' new U.S. Quarter book.

His website earlyusquarters.com contains a lot of accurate and useful information about early US Mint personnel.

You can also order his quarter book to help with your knowledge about American numismatics.

coindeuce · February 18, 2009 12:27PM

There are others here with greater knowledge about the variety than I, but strictly so, the date is very difficult to find with any eye appeal. Not many survivors even in low grade circ., from a mintage that nearly matches the 1796 which seems to be always much more readily available.

RichieURich · February 18, 2009 11:37PM

Steve Tompkins lists the 1804 B-2 as an R5 (31 to 75 known). He also states that most of them are Good or worse condition. My experience with this variety agrees with Steve's comments. The last 1804 B-2 I had in stock was a strong AG and it sold almost immediately.

Based on several indicators, I believed that a couple of years ago that there were approximately 60 collectors of Bust Quarters by variety. Currently I believe there are about 100. It's difficult to get an accurate number because not every collector collects the entire 1796 - 1838 series; some just collect large size (1796-1828), some collect just Capped Bust large size (1815-1828), some collect just small size (1831-1838).

If you collect Bust Quarters by variety or just by date, the new Tompkins book is essential. Full disclosure note: I sell both Bust Quarters and the Tompkins book. And if you want to order it directly from Steve, he lists his book on eBay.

Browning 2 1804 bust quarter variety.

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