1808 $2.50 MS(PCGS#7660)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2205

Grade

AU58

Price

219,600

Lot Description

BD Die State b. Offered is a highly desirable example of this classic one-year design type in the early U.S. gold series. Vivid honey-olive color is accented with blushes of pinkish-apricot iridescence that appear to drift toward the borders. The texture is frosty with semi-reflective tendencies evident as the coin rotates under a light. The in-hand appearance is quite smooth for an issue that, when offered at all, is typically noticeably marked. Wispy hairlines and a touch of glossiness are noted for accuracy, as is a more significant scrape on the reverse that, fortunately, is out of the way near the border at the period in the denomination 2 1/2 D. The strike is sharp for this type, especially over the focal points in and around the centers. The eye appeal is strong for a certified Choice AU 1808 quarter eagle, with just a trace of high point rub separating the coin from a Mint State rating. An impressive piece that will appeal to advanced type collectors and early gold specialists.<p>One of the most eagerly sought issues among classic United States Mint gold coins, the 1808 is the only quarter eagle of the Capped Bust Left design. This type is credited to Assistant Engraver John Reich, whose design was first used by the Mint in 1807, on the half dollar and half eagle, those being the most popular silver and gold denominations with bullion depositors. The quarter eagle, however, was not nearly as popular, and comparatively few examples were struck from the denomination's introduction in 1796 until 1834. In fact, the 1808 proved to be the final quarter eagle struck at the Mint until 1821, in which year the Capped Head Left motif replaced Reich's Capped Bust Left design.<p>The mintage of the 1808 quarter eagle was only 2,710 pieces, and attrition through melting was high, as was the case with all pre-1834 U.S. gold coins. According to John W. Dannreuther (<em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-183</em>4), only 125 to 150 examples are extant in all grades. Such a limited population in no way meets the demand for attractive, high grade 1808 quarter eagles, and examples such as that offered here rarely remain on the market for long. Indeed, we anticipate strong competition for this significant rarity, and urge interested parties to prepare to bid strongly.