1822 Capped Bust Quarter. B-2. Rarity-5. 25/50 C. VF-20 (PCGS).A delightful mid grade example of this scarce and eagerly sought variety. Lightly to moderately toned surfaces exhibit the warmest patina around the peripheries, especially on the reverse. The strike is nicely centered on both sides, the devices suitably bold for the assigned grade with plenty of sharper detail remaining to the more protected elements of Libertys portrait and the eagles plumage. An overall smooth appearance is an uncommon and particularly desirable attribute in an early U.S. Mint silver coin that saw considerable circulation. This bold naked eye variety features a blundered reverse with the denomination 25 punched over an erroneous 50, with evidence of additional repunching to the primary digit 5 (25/5/50). This reverse was later used in the 1828 B-3 marriage. Both varieties are scarce, although the 1822 B-2 is both more elusive and more conditionally challenging than 1828 B-3 with far fewer examples grading VF or finer. Early quarter variety specialists are sure to compete vigorously for the honor of securing this technically sound and aesthetically pleasing rarity.
