The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part II

Lustrous and Beautiful 1834 Quarter Eagle

Classic Head

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274     1834 Breen-6138. No Motto, Small Head Style. MS-64 (PCGS). Both obverse and reverse have lustrous, frosty surfaces overall. The fields of the various quarter eagle varieties of this year are on a flat plane (there is virtually no basining), giving the specimens a cameo-like appearance. An important coin to illustrate the new Classic Head type, popularly attributed to Kneass, combined with the without-motto reverse (lacking the previous E PLURIBUS UNUM).

Obverse with barely perceptible crack from star 10, extending right toward border. Upon very close inspection there are some incipient die cracks between the final S (STATES) and the adjacent O (OF).

In cataloguing the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection of Classic Head quarter eagles, we have relied on die variety notes provided us by Dr. John McCloskey, a student of this series and half eagles of the same design, a gentleman of rare talent who is best known numismatically for his long-time editorship of The Gobrecht Journal.

Walter Breen described two different reverse dies with this Small Head obverse. Dr. McCloskey notes the existence of only one variety with this obverse. Apparently Breen, who drew heavily on the work of earlier scholars including Edgar Adams, John Clapp, and Waldo Newcomer, described his Breen-6139 variety from Newcomer’s work. We do not believe such a variety exists today.

From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1462.

Lustrous 1834 Quarter Eagle

Classic Head

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275     1834 Breen-6138. No Motto, Small Head style. MS-63 (PCGS). Prooflike surfaces on obverse and reverse, save for the outer area of the field between the stars (or on the reverse the letters) and the dentils. The Small Head variety is instantly recognized, even at a distance, by the straight vertical line of hair curls at back of head. The Large Head type offered in the next few lots, has two distinct buns of hair at back of the head.

Apparently an early strike, as there are no die cracks, clash marks, or evidence of lapping.

Purchased from Se Ro Coins, March 10, 1969.

Splendid 1834 Classic Head $2.50

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276     1834 Breen-6140. No Motto, Large or Booby Head. MS-63 (PCGS). Breen’s Large or Booby Head style, characterized by "large 4 very close to curl; deep indentation to curls at 2:30; thick lips, jutting jaw, eye more deeply set."

The present piece is a showstopper in quality, exhibiting many prooflike characteristics in the field, giving way to lustre toward the dentils. As an example of the first year of issue of the Classic Head design it is of additional importance. As a die variety this is very rare. All three varieties are from the same specific obverse die.

On the obverse die the stars were entered by hand. Significant recutting can be seen at stars 2, 3, and 11, less so at 12. The date 1834 is in thin "open" numerals. The diagonal at the upper left of the 4 is bowed slightly outward. The border dentils are more prominent on the die from about 8:00, clockwise to 5:00, than in the remaining section.

On the reverse the first S (STATES) is repunched at the center. The dentils are irregularly placed and are irregular in form, sometimes prominent and sometimes not. The field is quite planed, but rises toward the rim at which point the surface is somewhat satiny and granular. Tiny cracks are seen from the tips of both wings to nearby dentils, these being stress points on the die.

Noted by Harry Bass as dies 3/E; B. III-6. Reverse with AME close, perfect M.

Perfect dies.

The reverse dies of three Large Head varieties are identified as follows:

A: In AMERICA, letters A and M are widely separated with A high and leaning left.

B: AME are close with letter M complete. The eagle does not have a tongue.

C: AME are close with M broken, missing its right diagonal. The eagle has a tongue. The variety offered here.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of February 1972, Lot 358.

Prooflike 1834 Quarter Eagle

Classic Head

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277     1834 Breen-6140. No Motto, Large or Booby Head. MS-62 (PCGS). The surfaces are a mixture of prooflike character with lustre, to which a generous amount of eye appeal can be added, creating a very beautiful coin that will serve equally well the interests of the specialist and the type collector. This is the most available of three die varieties, Variety A.

From New Netherlands Coin Company’s 61st sale, June 1970, Lot 448.

Lovely 1834 Quarter Eagle

Classic Head

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278     1834 Breen-6140. No Motto, Large or Booby Head. MS-62 (PCGS). Semi-prooflike surfaces, particularly on the obverse. A very attractive example in every respect.

Perfect dies.

Variety C with AME close, broken M. This is a rare die variety. Previous to this sale, we have only offered one example of this die variety, an AU-55 coin in our September 1986 sale.

Purchased from Rowe and Brownlee, December 12, 1968.

279     1834 Breen-6140. No Motto, Large or Booby Head. AU-58. An attractive bright yellow gold example with considerable prooflike character in the obverse and reverse fields. Light contact marks are mostly visible in the fields. Another example of this very rare die variety.

Light clash marks are noted within the vertical stripes of the shield.

Variety C, the reverse has AME close, broken M.

From Harmer, Rooke’s sale of December 1969, Lot 399a.

Superb 1835 Quarter Eagle

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280     1835 Breen-6141. Tall Head. MS-63 (PCGS). A brilliant, lustrous, and frosty specimen of exquisite beauty. One of the nicest known of the issue. Three die varieties of 1835 quarter eagles share the same obverse die with so-called "Tall Head" motif. Two reverse dies were earlier used in 1834, the third used in 1835 and continuing in use into 1836. Among these three varieties, this is the most common.

PCGS Population: 2; 4 finer (MS-65 finest).

On the reverse the first T (STATES) is low, and the 6 is high and leans right. The first A (AMERICA) is distant from the M.

The three varieties are identified as follows:

1: AM in AMERICA widely spaced with A high, leaning left. First used for 1834 quarter eagles.

2: AME close and eagle has a tongue. Broken M. Olive branch has a berry. First used in 1834.

3: AME close and eagle does not have a tongue. Olive branch does not have a berry. First used in 1835.

From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1465.

Mint State 1835 Quarter Eagle

Prooflike Tendencies

281     1835 Breen-6141. Tall Head. MS-60. Lovely greenish gold with considerable reflective prooflike surface among the fields of obverse and reverse. The devices have light frosty lustre, resulting in an attractive cameo appearance. Light hairlines and other surface marks include a small imperfection below Liberty’s chin. Somewhat weak at center of obverse and reverse. This is a very scarce die variety.

Harry Bass noted his opinion that this may be an impaired Proof. When Harry Bass writes, we all read–and certainly his notes are as meaningful as those of any student we have ever encountered, and quite possibly even more so. Certainly, Proof coins were struck from this die pair as it is the same variety as both Pittman and Eliasberg Proofs.

This reverse die is the same as one used in 1834 with AME close and broken M in AMERICA.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, April 23, 1973.

Another Mint State 1835 Quarter Eagle

282     1835 Breen-6141. Tall Head. MS-60. Light yellow gold with reflective lustre. Minor hairlines and other abrasions are noted. The only readily available variety among 1835 quarter eagles.

AM in AMERICA widely spaced.

The present offering presents an opportunity to begin or add to a specialized set of the Classic Head quarter eagles 1834-1839. As our notes reveal, and as other sources also indicate, many varieties are exceedingly rare. And yet market values for the most part are quite modest. Made from hand-prepared dies, the pieces offer many interesting idiosyncrasies and variations and are a delight to study under magnification.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of June 1972, Lot 363.

283     1835 Breen-6141. Tall Head. Net AU-50; sharpness of MS-60 with small letters MEJ scratched in upper reverse field. Prooflike bright greenish gold with central weakness. Minor abrasions are present on both sides.

AM of AMERICA widely spaced.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1967, Lot 400.

284     1835 Breen-6141. Tall Head. AU-50. Light yellow gold with considerable lustre and lightly abraded surfaces. A small obverse rim nick is noted at 8:00. An attractive example of this very rare die variety, the first we have ever offered at auction. This reverse die was first used for 1835 quarter eagles and continued in use for 1836 coinage, mated with three different obverse dies. These coins were actually struck in 1836, based on die state evidence.

Reverse with AME close and no berry in the branch. Several light cracks are noted, along with a die chip partly filling the angle between diagonal and right upright of N.

Purchased from Bill Mertes, August 13, 1969.

285     1835 Breen-6141. Tall Head. EF-45. Bright yellow gold with moderately abraded surfaces including an imperfection above the first star and a reverse rim nick at 12:00.

AM in AMERICA widely spaced.

Purchased from Edwin Shapiro, August 11, 1967.

Large Selection of Quarter Eagles

286     A diverse selection of quarter eagles, offering a nice variety of dates and mints: I 1835 Breen-6141. EF-40. Pale yellow gold I 1836 Breen-6143. EF-40. Soft yellow gold I 1843-O Small Date. EF-45. Pale gold I 1845 EF-45, cleaned I 1847-O EF-40, reverse scratches I 1850 AU-50 I 1851 AU-50 I 1852 AU-55 I 1853 AU-55 I 1854 AU-50 I 1854-O EF-45. Pale yellow gold I 1855 MS-60 I 1856 AU-58 I 1857 AU-58 I 1858 AU-50 I 1861 AU-50 I 1862 VF-20 I 1869-S EF-40 I 1878-S AU-58 I 1900 MS-60. Many with nice original mint lustre. (Total: 20 pieces)

Mint State 1836 $2.50

Head of 1834

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287     1836 Breen-6142. Head of 1834. MS-63 (PCGS). An extraordinarily sharp strike with detail seldom seen on dates of the Classic Head style. This is our variety B, per the note below, and is a scarcer die variety.

Close examination of the portraits of the various Classic Head issues shows minor differences in the treatment. Most probably, portraits used on 1834 and 1835 coinage were by Chief Engraver William Kneass, although there is always the possibility work might have been outsourced (for example, to Christian Gobrecht). In 1835, Kneass suffered an incapacitating stroke, after which Christian Gobrecht, employed as the second engraver (he did not want the term "assistant" to be used), did most if not all of the portrait design work, including the remarkable series of copper cents of the year 1839. To the cataloguer’s eye, the general portraits throughout the Classic Head series seem to be of the same level of workmanship. Perhaps closer study would identify a "signature" whereby those done by Kneass and those done by Gobrecht could be differentiated.

Obverse with some raised ridges in the field above star 13.

The quarter eagles dated 1836 provide the largest number of varieties among any issue of the series. Six obverse and four reverse dies were combined to produce eight different die varieties. Among these are Breen’s Heads of 1834, 1835, and 1837. Two distinct date styles occur, the Block 8 with thin horizontal center stroke, and Fancy 8 (sometimes called Script 8) with thick diagonal center stroke. One reverse die, introduced in 1835, does not have a berry in the olive branch, the other three have berries. Varieties are identified as follows:

A. Block 8. No berry in olive branch. Rare variety.

B. Block 8. With berry. Head of 1834, star 6 points to headband and is distant from hair curl. Scarce.

C. Block 8. With berry. Head of 1837, hair over coronet sweeps back to form first curl below star 7. Common.

D. Fancy 8. No berry. Head of 1835, star 6 points to curl over headband and is close to this curl. Common.

E. Fancy 8. No berry. Head of 1834. Rare.

F. Fancy 8. With berry. Head of 1834. Apparently unique.

G. Fancy 8. With berry. Head of 1835. AM in AMERICA widely spaced. Rare.

H. Fancy 8. With berry. Head of 1835. AM closely spaced. Scarce.

Purchased from Se Ro Coins, Inc., March 10, 1969.

Lovely Mint State 1836 $2.50

288     1836 Breen-6142. Head of 1834. MS-61. Sharply struck with frosty bright yellow gold lustre. A few minor abrasions are noted, as expected for the grade. A very pleasing example, ideal for the date or type collector. Another example of our variety B which is scarce.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, October 30, 1972.

Lustrous Quarter Eagle Grouping

289     Selection of 14 different quarter eagles, beginning with the 1836 Classic Head and continuing to include many early Liberty Head pieces. I 1836 Breen-6142. EF-40 I 1843-O Small Date. AU-50 I 1845 AU-50 I 1850 AU-50 I 1851 AU-50 I 1852 AU-55 I 1853 AU-55 I 1854 AU-50 I 1854-O AU-50 I 1855 MS-60 I 1856 AU-58 I 1857 MS-60 I 1858 AU-50 I 1861 AU-50. All with some degree of original mint lustre commensurate with the assigned grade. (Total: 14 pieces)

Breathtaking 1836 Quarter Eagle

Virtually as Struck

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290     1836 Breen-6143. Head of 1835. MS-64 (PCGS). Satiny lustre on obverse and reverse. A splendid example of the date, variety, and grade. This is our variety D, a common die variety. The reverse was also used with an 1835 obverse, however, this variety was struck first.

On the reverse a bisecting crack begins at the border, extends through the left side of star 6, the coronet, and exits to the right, extending between stars 12 and 13 to clearly touch a dentil on the right.

Reverse with die crack connecting base of ATES OF.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, May 30, 1972. Formerly from Hank Rogers.

Another Incredible 1836 Breen-6143 $2.50

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291     1836 Breen-6143. Head of 1835. MS-64. Satiny lustre is seen on the obverse, while the reverse is partially prooflike. Several areas of planchet lamination are seen at the reverse on the left. Our die variety D.

Obverse with diagonal finish lines oriented at about a 45° angle from the vertical, extending from upper left to lower right, the normal orientation seen (discussed in later notes as well). The dentils are bold, regular, and well executed. Bisecting crack begins at the border, extends through the left side of star 6, the coronet, and exits to the right, diminishing to virtual nothingness between stars 12 and 13.

On the reverse the aforementioned planchet lamination was probably caused by some air bubbles being trapped in the gold ingot from which the strip was rolled, and as the multi-step rolling process took place, the bubbles were distended. A delicate crack is seen connecting the bottom of ATES OF.

From Quality Sales Corporation’s sale of the Beck Collection, Part III, February 1977, Lot 1392.

Memorable 1836 $2.50

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292     1836 Breen-6143. Head of 1835. MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant and lustrous. A significantly above-average strike. Our die variety D.

On the obverse a bisecting crack begins at the border, extends through the left side of star 6, the coronet, and exits to the right, fading to virtual disappearance between stars 12 and 13.

On the reverse, a delicate crack is seen connecting the bottoms of ATES (STATES).

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, August 30, 1971.

Desirable Mint State 1836 $2.50

293     1836 Breen-6143. Head of 1835. MS-61. Very lightly abraded yellow gold surfaces with satiny lustre. A desirable example of this variety. Our die variety D.

The obverse is cracked from the border through star 6 and across the bust to the upper hair ribbon, continuing faintly to the right border. The reverse has a very faint crack through bases of ATES and a faint crack from the left shield point toward the eagle’s throat.

Fancy 8 in date, star 6 close to curl, reverse without berry in branch. A common variety.

Purchased from Michael G. Brownlee, April 17, 1967. Earlier from an unspecified Paramount auction, Lot 584.

294     1836 Breen-6143. Head of 1835. AU-55. Light greenish yellow gold with satiny, slightly reflective lustre. Minor surface marks are noted, typical of coins at this grade level. A further example of our die variety D.

Fancy 8 in date, star 6 close to curl, reverse without berry in branch. A common variety.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 1726.

295     1836 Breen-6143. Head of 1835. EF-45. A pleasing example with light hairlines from cleaning. A few abrasions are noted, including small rim nicks at bottom of reverse. Traces of lustre remain in the protected areas. This is our die variety H and is very scarce.

A die crack from the border passes through star 6 to the bust, eventually reaching the border at 4:00.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 2.

Grouping of Quarter Eagles

296     Selection of quarter eagles, all different: I 1836 Breen-6143. VF-25. Pale gold surfaces I 1851 MS-60 I 1852 MS-61 I 1853 AU-58. Deeply toned I 1854 AU-58 I 1854-O EF-45. Brilliant and lustrous unless otherwise noted. (Total: 6 pieces)

Stunning 1836 Quarter Eagle

Head of 1837

Superb Gem MS-66

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297     1836 Breen-6144. Head of 1837. MS-66 (PCGS). Called a transitional head by Breen, further noted as "very rare." Brilliant and deeply lustrous. A magnificent example. This is our variety C. Despite Breen’s notation, we consider this to be a readily available variety (although primarily in lower grades) among 1836 quarter eagles.

PCGS Population: 1, none finer.

Perfect dies.

From Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, December 1978, Lot 80. Earlier purchased by Harold Bareford from Ira S. Reed, 37 South 18th Street, Philadelphia, possibly as part of a sale or other event, serially numbered in ink stamp "652."

298     1836 Breen-6144. Head of 1837. AU-58. Highly lustrous bright yellow gold with typical design definition, weak at central areas. A very pleasing example with only minor contact marks. Our die variety C.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, October 18, 1966.

299     1836 Breen-6144. Head of 1837. AU-58. Brilliant deep yellow gold with weak central devices. Minor abrasions are noted in the reflective fields. This is an example of our variety A, very rare at all grade levels, particularly so in the quality offered here. The reverse die was also used with an 1835-dated obverse.

The obverse die has a crack from the border at 9:00 to the nose, continuing to the ear. Another crack from the border passes through the right side of 6 to bust. The reverse has a small die chip in the angle between diagonal and right upright of N. Cracked from the left shield tip to eagle’s neck, also through bases of TATES and with faint crack through top of first T in STATES.

Purchased from Dean Oakes, April 19, 1969.

300     1836 Breen-6144. Head of 1837. AU-50. Light yellow gold with considerable lustre and minor abrasions. A light scratch crosses the left side of the obverse through Liberty’s profile. Our variety C.

Purchased from Gene Henry, February 29, 1972.

301     1836 Breen-6144. Head of 1837. AU-50. Deep yellow gold with a small spot and orange toning between stars 1 and 2. Considerable lustre is present on both obverse and reverse. A few very minor scratches and other abrasions are noted. Our die variety C.

From Rarcoa’s 1970 ANA Sale, August 1970, Lot 1433.

302     1836 Breen-6144. Head of 1837. AU-50. An attractive example of our variety C.

From Stack’s sale of September 1968, Lot 310.

Varied Selection of Quarter Eagles

303     Large selection of quarter eagles, including both Classic Head and Liberty types: I 1836 Breen-6144. VF-35. Pale yellow gold I 1843-O Small Date. AU-53 I 1850 AU-50 I 1851 AU-53 I 1852 AU-58 I 1853 AU-55 I 1854 AU-53. Reverse Cud. A large cud die break appears on the reverse, extending from the rim to the tops of the letters NITE in one large plateau. A very intriguing variety, one the specialist will appreciate. An interesting rarity I 1854-O AU-50 I 1855 MS-61 I 1856 AU-58 I 1861 AU-50. All are brilliant and lustrous unless otherwise noted. (Total: 11 pieces)

Grouping of Quarter Eagles

304     Attractive grouping of quarter eagles: I 1836 Breen-6144. VF-30, obverse scratch on truncation I 1852 (4). MS-60 and AU-58 (3) I 1853 AU-58 (2) I 1854 (2) AU-58 and AU-53. All are brilliant and lustrous. (Total: 9 pieces)

Lovely Gem 1837 Quarter Eagle

Finest Certified

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305     1837 Breen-6145. MS-65 (PCGS). This lovely gem has brilliant, satiny orange-gold lustre with minimal surface marks. Very sharply struck with incredible aesthetic appeal. Seldom does a gem of this quality appear on the market. We are delighted to offer this coin. This coinage date is the first of three very scarce years, dividing the Classic Head design in half. This example is the most plentiful of all three die varieties of 1837.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Regarding population:

The following PCGS population data illustrates the scarcity of this issue. Total Mint State populations are listed for each date and mintmark: 1834 (136); 1835 (20); 1836 (122); 1837 (13); 1838 (18); 1838-C (3); 1839 (2); 1839-C (2); 1839-D (10); 1839-O (13).

Identification of 1837 die varieties is not complicated:

A: Two lines in each vertical shield stripe.

B: Three lines in each stripe. Final A and lower arrowhead are joined. The variety offered here.

C: Three lines in each stripe. Final A and lower arrowhead are separated.

From Harmer, Rooke’s sale of December 1969, Lot 402.

Incredible Mint State 1838 Quarter Eagle

Superb Gem MS-67

Finest Certified for Date and Type

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306     1838 Breen-6146. MS-67 (PCGS). Very simply stated, this coin must be seen to be believed. Intense, frosty, and brilliant green-gold with very slightly reflective fields providing a visible cameo contrast. A few very tiny, microscopic marks are noted, and we can almost count these on one hand. Ever so slightly weak at the highest point of hair on the obverse. Vertical obverse and diagonal reverse striae are noted. This remarkable gem is the only 1838 quarter eagle ever assigned the MS-67 grade by PCGS. In fact, it is the only MS-67 Classic Head quarter eagle certified by PCGS for the entire design type, making it in essence, the finest known Classic Head quarter eagle. There is just one die variety for 1838 quarter eagle coinage.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Most obverse stars are sharply repunched. Minor die rust is visible on Liberty’s cheek. Otherwise, the dies are perfect.

Purchased from John N. Rowe, III, October 7, 1966.

Another Lovely Mint State 1838 $2.50

307     1838 Breen-6146. MS-60. Highly lustrous light yellow gold with extremely sharp design details. A few very light hairlines and other minor imperfections are noted. This is a very pleasing example, overall. The opportunity to bid on two Mint State examples in one sale is certainly exceptional. Of course, this piece is not a rival to the superb MS-67 offered earlier but, still, even MS-60 quality is seldom encountered in the marketplace. The obverse of this issue has a very wide border, providing a medallic appearance.

Purchased from Se Ro Coins, Inc., March 10, 1969.

Lovely 1838-C Quarter Eagle

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308     1838-C Breen-6147. AU-58 (PCGS). A wonderful example of the first Charlotte Mint quarter eagle. Lustrous light yellow gold with orange toning. Pleasing surfaces with a few very minor abrasions, none serious. This example is unusually sharply struck with full hair details and sharp wing detail at junction with right shield. Possibly one of the most pleasing survivors from the mintage of just 7,880 coins. Likely among the five or six finest known. There is just one variety of 1838-C quarter eagle.

PCGS Population: 3; 3 finer (MS-63 finest).

A historical sketch of the Charlotte Mint is found under our introduction to gold dollars. For the specialist in Charlotte Mint coins the 1838-C is quite important, representing as it does a piece produced during the first year of operation of that facility.

Two obverse dies and three reverse dies were shipped from the Philadelphia Mint to Charlotte, but it seems that only one pair of dies actually saw use. All of these dies were later destroyed (in 1843).

The date is somewhat irregular in the die, with the 3 high. The mintmark is double punched, with traces of an earlier impression below the final one; apparently the first-entered C in the die actually touched the top of the 3 in the date. Several stars show repunching, mostly notable 1, 9, and 13. This was in the twilight era of hand-finished dies, and within a decade such niceties (from a numismatic viewpoint) as double-punched stars would disappear, with the date logotype being just about the only point of difference.

Purchased from Se Ro Coins, Inc., March 10, 1969.

Beautiful 1839 $2.50

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309     1839 Breen-6148. "Overdate." MS-62 (PCGS). Extremely sharply struck. Lustrous and with a hint of prooflike character. This is the only die variety of 1839 quarter eagle from Philadelphia. Quite rare in Mint State.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Perfect dies.

Regarding the "overdate" status of certain 1839/8 pieces, the Guide Book of United States Coins states that "these are made from defective punches." On the other hand, Walter Breen unequivocally designates his varieties 6148, 6149, and 6151 as overdates. Our view is that they are not overdates, but represent slight repunching. As noted elsewhere in the present catalogue, Walter Breen was a bit more liberal than we are in assigning "overdate" status to various gold issues.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 605.

High-Grade 1839-C $2.50

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310     1839-C Breen-6149. AU-55. Light yellow gold, very faintly granular, and with indications of a bump being smoothed at the left rim. Probably the net value of an EF-40 coin. Sharply struck with a wealth of detail. A scarce issue of extraordinary importance as the first quarter eagle from the newly opened Charlotte Mint. Three die varieties are described below, this example being variety B.

Rather than being an overdate, this is better described as a repunched date, in our opinion. On the present piece a tiny line or crack connects the upper and lower parts of the right side of the C mintmark.

Identification of three die varieties:

A: Mintmark over left half of digit 3. Tip of branch stem over right upright of D. Usually cracked, neck to right wing.

B: Mintmark over left half of digit 3. Tip of branch stem over left edge of D. Usually cracked through E of STATES.

C: Mintmark over space between 83. Usually cracked, left shield tip to beak.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1970, Lot 657.

311     1839-C Breen-6149. Net VF-30; sharpness of EF-40 but polished with abraded surfaces. A few minor obverse and reverse imperfections are noted, including small rim marks at 4:00 on the obverse and 2:30 on the reverse. A small gouge is present in the upper right reverse field, just above the wing. Our die variety A for Charlotte Mint coinage of 1839.

Perfect dies.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 1807.

Mint State 1839-C Quarter Eagle

Finest Certified

Possibly Finest Known

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312     1839-C Breen-6150. Repunched Date. MS-62 (PCGS). Sharply struck with frosty, brilliant yellow gold lustre. A few very minor surface marks are noted. This variety has a sharply recut 39 in the date and is from the same reverse die as used for 1838-C coinage. Some confusion surrounds the varieties of 1839-C quarter eagle coinage. There are, in fact, only three varieties known, from two obverse and three reverse dies. The other obverse has the upper curve and lower knob of digit 9 connected, mated with two reverse dies both used only in 1839. This example is the finest certified by PCGS and is possibly the finest known of the entire 1839-C spectrum (as PCGS does not take into account die varieties), although to be completely objective, it may be exceeded in quality by the Bareford Collection coin sold by Stack’s in December 1978. Douglas Winter described the Bareford coin as MS-63. This is our die variety C.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from Se Ro Coins, Inc., March 10, 1969.

Memorable 1839-C $2.50

Reverse of 1838

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313     1839-C Breen-6150. Repunched Date. AU-55 (PCGS). Breen’s Repunched 39, which seems to be correct. Indeed, the repunching is dramatic, particularly on the 3. Light yellow gold with much lustre in protected areas. Nicely struck. Our die variety C with reverse die the same as used for 1838-C quarter eagles.

The obverse has the aforementioned double punching, quite dramatic in its aspect. The die is on the verge of being shattered and exhibits a crack from a dentil through the 3, past the mintmark, to the center of the portrait. Another crack is seen from the border at the left through star 2 then to the center of the cheek, continuing through the hair, exiting through star 9 and, in effect, bisecting the coin. The reverse die is likewise shattered, or nearly so, and shows a major break from the rim through the side of the 2 in the denomination, along the left side of the shield, through the eagle’s head, to the A (STATES), but not exiting to the border. Another crack is seen to the left extending more or less parallel above the wing.

From Rarcoa’s ANA Sale, August 1970, Lot 1438.

Mint State 1839-D $2.50

Second Finest Known

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314     1839-D Breen-6151. Recut Date. MS-63 (PCGS). Lustrous bright greenish yellow gold with an average strike, slightly weak hair details over the ear and corresponding point of the reverse. The surfaces are very lightly abraded, unlike most known examples. This variety has slight doubling within 39 and has long been mis-attributed as an overdate. The reverse has a bold stem that ends left of D, our variety B. This is slightly scarcer than the other variety with weak stem ending over upright of D. Probably the second finest known 1839-D quarter eagle, exceeded only by the MS-64 example sold by Stack’s in 1994 as part of the James Stack Collection.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-64).

The reverse is cracked through the upright of second T in STATES to the eagle’s head, through the base of UNITED, and through the wing tip at left into the field below this D.

Two varieties are known:

A: Weak stem with tip over upright of D.

B: Bold stem with tip just left of D.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1970, Lot 658.

Choice Mint State 1839-O $2.50

High-Date Variety

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315     1839-O Breen-6152. High Date, Wide Fraction. MS-63 (PCGS). A wonderful example of the first quarter eagle struck in New Orleans. Light greenish gold with brilliant satin lustre and extremely sharp design details. All hair details and feather details are bold, quite unusual. The digit 3 is very slightly doubled. This is the more common of two varieties known, the Low Date, Close Fraction variety being considerably scarcer. Although a small number of Mint State coins survive from the mintage of 17,781, very few approach this coin for quality.

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (MS-64 finest).

The reverse die has been excessively polished with many of the lower details weak or missing. The arrow shafts are weak, the lower one broken. The stem to the branch is almost entirely gone, leaving a branch tip isolated in the field above and left of D, also leaving three pair of leaves isolated in the field. The berry and stem are also entirely missing. A die crack from top of the large digit 2 crosses the upper leaf to base of I in UNITED.

Two varieties are known:

A: High Date, Wide Fraction. Common.

B: Low Date, Close Fraction. Scarce.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1970, Lot 659.

Beautiful 1839-O Quarter Eagle

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316     1839-O Breen-6152. High Date, Wide Fraction. MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous and frosty. A beautiful specimen of the first quarter eagle from the New Orleans Mint.

Obverse from perfect die, although with portions of the portrait either lightly impressed into the working die or slightly relapped. Some die finish lines are seen within the ear.

The reverse is designated by Breen as his "wide fraction, small arrows." On the present piece the die is much relapped, disconnecting the arrowheads, leaves, etc., and presenting a curious appearance when studied under magnification. A crack is seen from the border through the 2 of the denomination, along the stem, to I (UNITED), splitting with a branch going to the border, continuing along the bases, with another branch, continuing to connect the bases of ITED.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1967, Lot 403.

Choice Mint State 1839-O Quarter Eagle

Close Fraction Variety

Scarcer of Two Varieties

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317     1839-O Breen-6153. Low Date, Close Fraction. MS-63 (PCGS). A lovely example with brilliant, frosty yellow gold lustre and very choice surfaces. Quite sharply struck with very slight weakness at central obverse and reverse. This is far scarcer than the Wide Fraction variety, and may be among the finest known for this die marriage. Slight doubling is noted inside the upper curves of 3 and 9. The reverse is rotated showing medallic alignment rather than normal coin alignment.

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (MS-64 finest).

The reverse has several cracks: from top edge of wing to left through top of eagle’s head and wing at right to base of first A. A curved crack from border through R to arrowhead and shaft, crossing lower feathers, eventually angling downward through arrow shafts to left field, a branch down through left upright of N to border.

Purchased from Superior, March 28, 1978.

318     1839-O Breen-6153. Low Date, Close Fraction. EF-45. Light yellow gold with minor abrasions and hairlines, probably cleaned at some time in the past. Sharply struck with only very slight weakness at the central obverse.

Perfect dies.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of February 1972, Lot 368.

319     1839-O Breen-6153. Low Date, Close Fraction. VF-35. Deep yellow gold with a trace of greenish tint. A few very minor surface marks are noted.

Obverse cracked from rim above star 4 to eye, continuing to hair curls at back of head. Reverse die shattered with numerous cracks. From border at 10:00 to wing tip, following top of wing and across field to eagle’s beak, through head, across right field through wing, to first A and border. From border through left upright of N into field, turning at a right angle to lower feathers. From border through center of R into field, turning down to point of top arrow.

As we leave the Classic Head series behind we again suggest, in fact implore readers that this series, 1834-1839, is laden with many numismatic treasures, the vast majority of which are unrecognized except by specialists, but which upon inspection will reward the owner with many hours of enjoyable study. The preceding listing is, to our knowledge, the most extensive, comprehensive, auction offering in American numismatic history.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 608.

First-Year 1840 $2.50

Inauguration of the Liberty Head Type

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320     1840 MS-64 (PCGS). Brilliant and very lustrous. Some light striking at the centers, as is normal for authentic examples of this date (Breen: "Normally weak in centers"). A piece that is head and shoulders above the quality typically encountered. Indeed, in his Encyclopedia Breen said "Prohibitively rare above EF," indicating that even in AU grade an 1840 quarter eagle would be a landmark.

Not only is the present specimen rare from a grade viewpoint, but it is especially significant as the first year of issue of Christian Gobrecht’s Liberty Head or Coronet design. Interestingly, there seem to have been few if any deliberately saved by the public. The same can be said of the Liberty Seated dollar, which also made its debut in this year.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Philadelphia Mint quarter eagles of the 1840-1858 era, and some of 1859, have the so-called Type I or early hub, with heavy arrowheads spaced closely together. Beginning in 1858, the hub was changed at the Philadelphia Mint, and from that time through 1861, both reverses were used interchangeably. At the San Francisco Mint the old style reverse was used through and including 1876-S, at which time the new reverse was employed (although Walter Breen mentions in passing that an 1862-S with the new type reverse may be known). These reverse styles have not been widely studied, but upon close inspection can provide interesting varieties that are quite collectible. No doubt the listing of these in Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins could be modified by close study of many different pieces, particularly which dates and mintmarks of pieces 1859 through the 1870s exist with which reverses. In the present text, hub differences are not noted until 1859 as all before that date are Type I.

Obverse with four-digit date logotype well centered. Reverse with minute crack extending from the lowest feather tip through the divisor of the fraction to a dentil. Many die striae are in the fields, reflective of the die finishing process.

From our sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1980, Lot 757. Previously from William Hesslein, November 29,1919.

Lovely AU 1840 Quarter Eagle

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321     1840 AU-58 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold. Fairly sharply struck for the year, indeed above average in this regard. Held at an angle to the light, the coin exhibits some prooflike surface in protected areas.

PCGS Population: 1; 3 finer (MS-64 finest).

Date logotype higher on die than on the preceding lot. Perfect dies.

Purchased from Superior, March 1978.

Another High-Grade 1840 $2.50

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322     1840 AU-53 (PCGS). Light yellow gold surfaces. Remarkably fine strike for the year, very similar to the preceding.

PCGS Population: 4; 4 finer (MS-64 finest).

Date logotype high. Perfect dies.

From Stack’s sale of the Copeland Collection, March 1967, Lot 1573.

Yet Another 1840 $2.50

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323     1840 AU-53 (PCGS). Typical strike for the era, somewhat lightly defined at the centers and stars.

Date logotype fairly well centered on the obverse. Tiny crack on the reverse from the lowest feather tip through the divisor of the fraction to a dentil.

How fortunate we are to have multiple high-grade examples of the 1840 quarter eagle in the present sale, recalling Breen’s previously quoted comment that the issue is "prohibitively rare above EF." Harry Bass spent many years acquiring the beautiful quarter eagles offered in the present catalogue. And just to think, in several days of bidding opportunities you have a chance to benefit from his efforts.

Purchased from Jack L. Klausen, March 19, 1968.

324     1840 EF-45. Light yellow gold.

Date logotype is very high on the die, about twice as close to the neck truncation as to the dentils. Although logotype positions vary, from this year through the last year of the design, 1907, differences tend to be most noticeable during the first two decades of production.

From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1476, to the Goliad Corporation, to Harry Bass.

325     1840 VF-35. A very attractive and quite affordable example of this important date.

Date logotype slightly high; slightly different positioning from the preceding.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 128.

Incredible 1840-C $2.50

Choice Mint State

Previously Unpublished Die Curiosity

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326     1840-C MS-63 (PCGS). A highly important coin from several aspects:

First, the condition is outstanding. Indeed, this may be the finest known in Douglas Winter’s book, Charlotte Mint Gold Coins: 1838-1861. It stands alone at the top of the list on page 44, the closest contender being in the MS-60 range. Similarly, Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins makes specific mention of only a single Mint State coin of this issue, the piece offered here. At this point we mention–as we do several times throughout the catalogue–that certification service numbers are one thing, but actual rarity can be another. During the past decade or so many scarce and rare coins have been resubmitted to various services and even to the same service, with the result that three or four or five listings in a population report might represent just a single coin! Further, there has been some grade inflation happening, thereby elevating the numbers. Still further, numbers do not take into consideration the aesthetic appeal of a coin. Nearly all of the Bass Collection coins represent pieces that are among the very finest known from an aesthetic viewpoint, within their grade category.

Further in importance, the 1840-C is the first year of the Liberty Head series, and thus for the type collector or the Charlotte specialist the 1840 has a special cachet.

Still further, not only is the 1840-C a rarity in Mint State, but the issue is generally scarce in any grade.

Last, but quite important, the obverse die is a major curiosity within the panorama of Liberty Head quarter eagle coinage. Details are described below.

This lovely 1840-C is, in a word, incredible. We expect all stops to be drawn out, all caution thrown to the winds when this piece crosses the block. Bid with the virtual certainty that you may not live long enough to ever see another piece that is its equal (if indeed such other piece exists).

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Date logotype very boldly impressed into the die, and positioned slightly high. Reverse with C mintmark high and with the upper right serif embedded in the arrow feather.

Under high magnification many circular raised lathe lines are seen in the portrait of Miss Liberty, these being particular evident among the words LIBERTY and on the neck. This phenomenon is very rare in American coinage, although in the course of cataloguing the Liberty Head pieces in the Bass sale we have come across two different dies with it. The reader is referred to the cataloguer’s dissertation relating to circular lathe lines as given beginning on page 64 of A Buyer’s and Enthusiast’s Guide to Flying Eagle and Indian Cents, where an 1864 Indian cent with circular lathe lines is illustrated. Thus far, relatively few coins in American numismatics have been identified with such features, although in today’s era of research and enlightenment we would not be a bit surprised to see others found.

In the aforementioned book on Flying Eagle and Indian cents Craig B. Sholley, a modern leading light in matters involving Mint processes, contributed the following commentary:

"On the question of which elements were in the model and which were entered at the master hub or master die stage, I think that the enclosed coins [1840 Liberty Seated half dollar and 1864 bronze Indian cent] and photos will assist in a rather straightforward analysis.

"On the 1840 Liberty Seated half dollar, note that the lathe lines can be seen within the letters of LIBERTY. Therefore LIBERTY was in the model, since any punching of the letters after the reduction would have destroyed the machining lines. Likewise, note that some lines can be seen going up the sides of the crossbars and stripes in the shield. This demonstrates that these lines were also in the model. However, note that the reverse shield lines on all Liberty Seated halves prior to 1858 are hand cut. This effectively demonstrates the limitation of the lathe’s high aspect ratio (height to width) elements cannot be reproduced. In 1858 a new reduction was made to produce the Type II half dollar hub. The shield lines were cut into the new master die and reproduced by hubbing from that point on.

"On the 1864 bronze Indian cent, note that the lathe lines can be seen within the upper loop of B and between the middle and upper crossbar of E in LIBERTY. I also believe that the lines can be seen crossing the right lower serif of I and the left upper serif of E. However, note that I’ve only looked at this on my home ‘scope (20X); this should be checked at higher magnification. Regardless, this still shows that LIBERTY was in the model for the same reason as with the 1840 Liberty Seated half dollar.

"Regarding the peripheral lettering UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, I believe that lettering was entered in the master dies. I have never seen lathe lines on this period coinage passing through the peripheral lettering. Also, Charles Hoskins and R.W. Julian have informed me that the lathe was not capable of reproducing the lettering unless the sides of the letters were raked 15° to allow the tool point to pass over. The first series to show lettering in the reduction is the Peace silver dollar series beginning years later in 1921 (note the beveled lettering on such silver dollars).

"As to the reverse of the Indian cent, I can only draw parallels from the Liberty Seated half dollar series. I have several pieces which show the lathe lines on the reverse passing over details in the feathers, arrows, claws, etc. From this and the obverse of both the 1840 Liberty Seated half dollar and the 1864 bronze Indian cent, I would conclude that the wreath and the entire shield, including lines, were in the model. The inscription ONE CENT was punched into the master die."

While the preceding discussion focuses upon the Indian cent series, it is relevant to the methodology by which the present 1840-C obverse die was created. The subsequent two specimens of the 1840-C in the present sale are from the identical obverse.

From Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, December 1978, Lot 85. Earlier from the Will W. Neil Collection.

Notable 1840-C Quarter Eagle

Prooflike AU-58

Curious Obverse Dies

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327     1840-C AU-58 (PCGS). Suggestions of prooflike surface on both obverse and reverse. A truly notable specimen of an issue which when seen is apt to be well worn. Certainly, this is in the front rank of finest known pieces, close to the Mint State level but not quite.

Indeed, Douglas Winter’s Condition Census includes just two pieces described as being higher grade than this: the aforementioned Bareford coin and a coin sold by Lester Merkin in his sale of April 1970. From that point the Condition Census drops down to AU-55. Thus, each of the AU-58 pieces in the present sale can be called Condition Census.

PCGS Population: 3; 5 finer (MS-63 finest).

Obverse die as preceding, with curious and fascinating circular die lathe lines. Date logotype deeply punched into the die and very slightly high. Reverse with upper right of C mintmark embedded in arrow feather.

Purchased from Stan Kesselman, January 16, 1970.

Another Memorable 1840-C $2.50

Curious Obverse Die

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328     1840-C AU-58 (PCGS). Another highly important coin, actually an incredible example that in any other venue would be a prime highlight in the catalogue.

The present coin is rare as described, has a beautiful prooflike surface, and is a rich light gold. It will be a delight to its next owner.

Same obverse as preceding, last chance to acquire an example of this now-more-important-than-ever Charlotte Mint quarter eagle variety, a piece with circular obverse die lathe lines, a fine addition to any collection.

From Rarcoa’s sale of August 1970, Lot 1463.

Condition Census 1840-D $2.50

The Fairfield Coin

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329     1840-D Shattered Dies. AU-58 (PCGS). Somewhat prooflike on both sides. Struck from dramatically shattered dies, and interesting as such.

The 1840-D was minted to the extent of only 3,523 pieces. Its importance is parallel to that of the earlier-offered 1840-C issue, except that the 1840-D is typically found in even lower grades and, as if that were not enough, is usually poorly struck.

The present specimen is quite well struck for the issue and is about a match for the Winter plate coin.

Douglas Winter in his Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861 gives the following commentary, which serves to highlight by contrast the desirability of the Bass Collection coin, for it is fairly well struck:

"The 1840-D is among the most poorly struck Dahlonega quarter eagles. The obverse always shows better details than the reverse. A few are known with nearly full detail on the hair of Liberty [such as the Bass coin], but much show some weakness. On all examples the stars are flat. The obverse milling is clear and sharp while the date, although small, is sharp as well. The reverse is weaker with the shield and the right leg of the eagle nearly always blurry (but less blurry than usual on the Bass coin).

"The 1840-D quarter eagle is characterized by below-average surfaces [with the Bass coin being a happy exception]. Many pieces are rough and show heavy marks in the fields and on the devices [again, the Bass Collection piece is an exception].

"Most are worn to the point of having no remaining lustre [not relevant to the Bass coin]. Higher grade pieces show poor quality lustre with a dull grainy texture [not relevant to the Bass coin]. A few semi-prooflike pieces exist and are very rare [relevant to the Bass coin!]"

Douglas Winter goes on to state that just one die pair is known. Most show cracks in varying degrees.

It is readily seen that the present coin is a numismatic treasure in the grade and quality here presented.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-60).

Date logotype deeply punched into die and slightly high; one obverse being used for all known coins. Bisecting crack extends from border at upper left, between stars 4 and 5, through the head of Miss Liberty, exiting between stars 12 and 13.

On the reverse the D mintmark is deeply embedded in the bottom of the arrow feather; this is the only die known for 1840-C coinage. The horizontal shield lines are pierced by multiple extensions of the vertical stripes, an interesting but not necessarily unusual phenomenon of the era. Evidences of circular lathe lines are seen at the left and right open shield spaces, a characteristic which ties in nicely with the obverse die used to strike the earlier-offered lots 326-328. The same process was used at the Mint. However, unlike the obverse where the lathe lines are prominent, we notice them on the reverse only in this small area–and, unlike the obverse of the 1840-C, the reverse of this 1840-D is not spectacular in its aspect.

The present die is bisected twice by die breaks, and is about as shattered a die as we have ever seen in the quarter eagle series. One crack extends from the left border through the left side of N (UNITED), through the leaves, eagle, and into the central motif. Related to this crack, but not necessarily an extension of it, is another crack from the upper right of the shield extending through the juncture of AM (AMERICA) to the border.

Still another break, this one probably bisecting to begin with, begins at the top border, extends through the second T (STATES), the eagle’s head, body, down through the eagle, the left side of the mintmark, to the border. Still another crack is seen from the border to the eagle’s wing at the upper left, and still another crack is seen from the border through C (AMERICA) to the lowest arrowhead.

It would be interesting to study the die crack progression, as no doubt if a dozen or two pieces could be arranged side by side, this could be determined. Once the die was first bisected, subsequent cracks would not be continuous but would be interrupted by the first bisecting line.

The combination of rarity, high quality, fascinating die characteristics, the first year of issue, the Bass pedigree, and other attributes all come together to create a truly memorable coin!

From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1479 to the Goliad Corporation, to Harry Bass.

Condition Census 1840-D Quarter Eagle

Lovely AU

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330     1840-D Shattered Dies. AU-50 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold. Another specimen, a close match to the preceding and, curiously, from virtually the same die state.

This piece is one of the very finest known examples of the 1840-D quarter eagle and will no doubt attract wide attention. Perhaps the bidder who was not able to buy the preceding lot will wish to sharpen his or her pencil and be very sure of acquiring the present coin!

PCGS Population: 8; 4 finer (MS-60 finest).

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 28, 1967.

Incredible 1840-O Quarter Eagle

The Eliasberg Specimen

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331     1840-O MS-64 (PCGS). Some light striking at the centers, as definitive on authentic pieces.

This is the Eliasberg coin, there described as Choice Brilliant Uncirculated, and "A superb piece, possibly the finest known example of its kind." Notably since that time, in 1988 Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins listed this particular specimen as its only citation in the Mint State category.

The mintage of 1840-O quarter eagles, some 10,780 coins in all, quickly and quietly passed into the channels of commerce, where most pieces became worn down to the grade typically encountered today–Very Fine or, occasionally, EF. There was no numismatic interest in mintmarks at the time, and not even the Mint Cabinet (recently formed in June 1838) desired to have branch mint coins. The survival of the present piece was due to a rare chance–the circumstances of which are unknown.

For the quarter eagle specialist this represents another landmark opportunity, what is believed to be the finest known specimen of the first Liberty Head New Orleans quarter eagle.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Date logotype deeply impressed into the die and quite high, about three times closer to the neck truncation than to the dentils.

Reverse with small O mintmark, as usually seen, the mintmark being embedded in the tip of the tail feather.

From our sale of the Eliasberg Collection, October 1982, Lot 115.

Lovely AU 1840-O $2.50

332     1840-O AU-50. Warm yellow surfaces with some golden orange patination. Quite scarce at this high grade level.

Reverse with small O mintmark, but a different die from the preceding, with part of the arrow feather showing within the mintmark. Some prominent diagonal die finish lines are seen from the border above ST.

Purchased from Superior, March 1978.

333     1840-O EF-45. An attractive specimen with light yellow gold surfaces and some rose toning. Not easy to find at the EF level.

Obverse with date high. Reverse with O mintmark by tip of arrow feather, part of which shows the mintmark, but in a slightly different position from the die in the preceding lot.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, April 11, 1972.

334     1840-O EF-40. A final specimen of this issue. Some mint lustre is still seen in protected areas.

Date logotype high as usual. Reverse with what Harry Bass called a large mintmark, the same die as described earlier, with traces of the eagle feather at the upper left interior of the mintmark and diagonal die lines extending from the border above ST.

While the mintmarks of this date can be variously described as "small" (per Breen), medium or large, in fact they are all quite small, although there may be some minor differences among them.

From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1480, to the Goliad Corporation, to Harry Bass.