1818/5 Capped Bust Quarter. B-1. Rarity-2. MS-65+ (PCGS). CAC.Simply put, this is one of the nicest Large Diameter Capped Bust quarters of any date or die pairing that we have ever had the privilege of bringing to auction. It is a wonderfully original Gem whose carefully preserved surfaces display full, virtually unblemished mint frost. Lightly toned overall in antique silver, blushes of iridescent reddish-russet and sea-green are scattered about and enhance the eye appeal. The strike is ideally centered and otherwise sharp, a reverse die crack (as made) bisecting the tip of the beak explaining the minor softness of detail to the eagles head and around the clasp binding Libertys drapery on the obverse. The die state corresponds to Rea et al. d, an intermediate to late state of the B-1 attribution.<p>Despite the quarters continued unpopularity with silver bullion depositors, at whose request precious metal coinage was achieved at the United States Mint at the time, 1818 did see unusually high demand, and the mintage of 361,174 pieces is the highest for this denomination from 1796 through 1828. The Large Diameter Capped Bust type as a whole is rare in the finest Mint State grades, however, and the 1818 is no exception. Opportunities to acquire an example as technically sound and aesthetically pleasing as this premium Gem MS-65+ usually come along only once in a long while.PCGS# 5323.PCGS Population: 2; 5 finer (all MS-66).<p>CAC Population: 4; 6. The former total includes coins certified both MS-65 and MS-65+.From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.
