1815 Capped Bust Quarter. B-1, the only known dies. Rarity-1. L Counterstamp. MS-63 (PCGS).Attractively original Choice Mint State quality for this enigmatic variety in the Bust quarter series. Mottled olive-russet and steel-blue peripheral toning gives way to softer pearl-gray toward the centers. The surfaces are satiny in texture and uncommonly smooth for the assigned grade, there being no marks or other blemishes of consequence. A few faint planchet streaks over and before Libertys bust are as made and blend nicely with the toning at most viewing angles.<p>Why the L counterstamp was applied to a modest number of 1815 and 1825 quarters has always been a mystery. In addition these two dates are also found with E counterstamps, always placed above Libertys head near the rim. A few of these counterstamped coins display minor bending opposite the letter, others do not, as here. Hence, many of these counterstamps must have been applied while the coins were in the press. All sorts of theories have been published, but so far no definitive contemporary evidence has surfaced to explain the significance of these counterstamps. As such, the mystery remains unsolved until someone digs in a new direction and finds out the truth behind these enigmatic and popular pieces. This is one of the finest examples known to exhibit this feature, and it is a coin that will always be in strong demand.PCGS# 809323. NGC ID: 23RG.PCGS Population (L Counterstamp only): just 1; 0 finer.From the Collection of James Allaire Millholland, 1842-1911.
