1821 Proof Capped Head to Left Quarter Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

Description

The 1821 Proof Capped Head to Left Quarter Eagle is a proof Gold Quarter Eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Capped Head to Left Quarter Eagles 1821-1834 series. No record was kept of how many proofs were struck; CoinWeek puts the known 1821 proofs at fewer than ten. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a cap with curls of hair beneath and the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Struck during a period of national unity and westward expansion following the War of 1812, as the U.S. grew in confidence and territory. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. Struck in 91.7% gold, 8.3% silver and copper, weighing 4.37 grams, 18.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7677.