Rarer in all grades than 1829-32; much rarer UNC. — Walter Breen.An unparalleled second opportunity to acquire a superb gem 1833 quarter eagle. The appearance of this coin is significantly different from the previous specimen, struck from an earlier die state that imparted profound reflectivity. A corona of frost outlines Libertys profile and surrounds the eagle on the reverse. Despite the prooflike surfaces, both sides show impressive cartwheel, making this coin particularly flashy no matter the angle of the light. The strike is better than typical, with the ear curl somewhat rounded if not fully struck up, and the corner upper left outline of the shield defined even as the wing details just outside of it remain soft. No substantial marks or lines are seen, though some positively trivial lines are seen in the fields. Magnified scrutiny finds a light scattering of natural planchet chips on both sides, and a natural depression is seen above 83 of the date. The raised die lines seen on the portrait and the recutting of U in UNITED are both readily evident.With two of the best three examples known for this date offered in consecutive lots, specimens of this quality may momentarily seem common. Of course, they are not. As many Mint State 1833 quarter eagles are included in this sale as were sold in the entire 1950s and 1960s, combined. No decade of the 20th century has seen as many gem specimens sell as are included here; indeed, the number of extant gems of this issue is precariously close to the number offered in this sale: two. This piece has been offered just once since the 1940s, when James A. Stack, Sr. was busily assembling his world-class collection of high quality American coins. An active buyer at the auctions "of such outstanding collections as those formed by Neil, Atwater, Dunham, Hall, and Colonel Green," according to the preface of the 1994 catalog that included this coin, Stack may have acquired this from B. Max Mehls sale of the Will W. Neil collection. Offered in 1947, the Neil auction included an 1833 quarter eagle described as "Semi-proof. Struck with raised borders. Rare so choice. Superior to the Atwater specimen." The lot was unplated, but this description better matches the present specimen than any other high grade 1833 quarter eagle sold during the brief period that James A. Stack, Sr. was active in the marketplace. Passed to his son and eventually sold at auction in 1994, this coin has traded exclusively by private transaction ever since..
