1815 Capped Bust Quarter: A Numismatic Gem

1815 Capped Bust Quarter: A Numismatic Gem

Why Was the 1815 Capped Bust Quarter Minted?

The production of 1815 Capped Bust quarters was primarily driven by an order from the Planter's Bank of New Orleans. The bank requested these coins in July 1815, but the United States Mint lacked both existing quarters and dies to strike new ones. The Mint initially suggested providing dimes instead, but the bank insisted on quarters.

Engraver's Contribution and Delivery Details

Engraver John Reich was tasked with creating new designs. Approximately 60,000 to 69,000 quarters were struck in December and shipped to the Planter's Bank. The remaining coins were distributed, with Jones, First and Company receiving an additional 20,000 in 1816.

Distribution and Counterstamped Variants

A total of 89,235 coins were delivered in two batches: 69,232 on December 16, 1815, and 20,003 on January 10, 1816. Some coins bear E or L counterstamps, which have been known to numismatists since the 1870s. Coins with the L counterstamp are considered scarcer.

Die Clash and Repunching

In Die State III, there is a noticeable die clash and repunching at the second T in STATES. This occurred due to lapped dies, where one die was slightly misaligned during striking.

Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens

Top Population:

• PCGS MS66+ (1, 3/2024)
• NGC MS67+ (1, 3/2024)
• CAC MS67 (0:1 stickered:graded, 3/2024)

NGC MS67+* CAC #2037631-009:

• Formerly owned by "Colonel" E.H.R. Green and Eric P. Newman
• Sold for $282,000 in 2013
• Vivid rainbow target toning

NGC MS67* CAC #2037631-010:

• Also formerly owned by "Colonel" E.H.R. Green and Eric P. Newman
• Sold for $182,125 in 2014
• Vivid rainbow target toning

PCGS MS66 #02807894:

• Struck with clashed dies
• Sold for $96,937.50 in 2015

NGC MS66* #3314519-002:

• Cobalt toning around the periphery
• Cobalt spot above 8

PCGS MS66 #14962425:

• Darkly toned
• Dark spot to the left of eagle's left wing

PCGS MS66 #21817909:

• Struck with clashed dies
• Small diagonal hit above eagle's head

NGC MS65 #1884698-002:

• Available for viewing in March 2024

NGC MS65 #1922043-001:

• Darkly toned in rose and blue
• Sold for $15,600 in 2022

NGC MS65 #4029536-001:

• Apricot and antique silver patina
• Sold for $11,400 in 2021

NGC MS65 #1900817-005:

• Struck with clashed dies
• Pale rose toning with dark diagonal toning streaks

NGC MS65 #4183694-001:

• Beautiful aqua toning on the obverse
• Rainbow target toning on the reverse

NGC MS65 #2016039-014:

• Brilliant
• Planchet void to the left of Liberty's nose

NGC MS65 #566086-001:

• Darkly toned
• Red centers with cobalt and aqua rims

NGC MS65 #1634408-001:

• Brilliant

NGC MS65 #129982-001:

• Darkly toned

1815 Capped Bust Quarter with E Counterstamp

NGC MS66 #506969-008:

• Pleasing aqua, rose, and reddish gold toning
• Small hit below eagle's right wing

NGC MS65 #3898405-001:

• Reddish gold toning in center, aqua blue peripheries

NGC MS63 #284313-001:

• Vivid rust and blue peripheral toning

1815 Capped Bust Quarter with L Counterstamp

PCGS MS63 #46211796:

• Streaky olive toning
• PQ for the grade

NGC MS62 #4253976-002:

• Dark blue and purple toning

NGC AU58 #3577701-001:

• Lightly circulated

Coin Specifications

• Country: United States of America
• Year of Issue: 1815
• Denomination: Quarter Dollar (USD)
• Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
• Mintage: 89,235
• Alloy: .8924 Silver, .1076 Copper
• Weight: 6.74 g
• Diameter: 27.00 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• OBV Designer: John Reich
• REV Designer: John Reich
• Quality: Business Strike