1796 Draped Bust Quarter. B-2. Rarity-3. AU Details--Altered Surfaces (PCGS). This well centered AU example offers full denticles and surfaces that appear pleasingly smooth. The central obverse is nicely defined for the issue, while there is the usual hint of weakness to the reverse eagle, most notably at its head. The surfaces are perhaps a bit too smooth to be true, and a touch of glossiness to the texture further explains the PCGS qualifier. Richly toned in a blend of steel-gray, antique gold and pale rose, the eye appeal is quite strong for the assigned grade. Free from the dramatic adjustment marks that are often associated with this issue, enhancing this coins desirability.<p>The Draped Bust, Small Eagle design type of 1796 represents the first year of the denomination; the dime of the same general design type also debuted in this year. Only 6,146 examples of this elusive quarter dollar issue were produced. The obverse design is attributed to Gilbert Stuart and the reverse to Mint engraver Robert Scot. Most of the examples known today are well worn, with many also exhibiting significant impairments such as holes or scratches. Fortunately for todays collectors, there are About Uncirculated and a scattering of Mint State 1796 quarters known, as well. Whenever such high grade rarities appear on the market, as here, they always attract a great deal of attention.<p>After this initial coinage of quarter dollars, it wasnt until 1804 that the Mint received orders for this denomination from bullion depositors. By then, the Small Eagle reverse had been supplanted by the Heraldic or Large Eagle style. The 1796 quarter is recognized as a rarity, but one that is available to those with patience and a strong numismatic budget. Its status as a one-year design appeals to both early quarter specialists and advanced type collectors.<p><p> From the Lincoln Square Collection.
