1822 Proof Capped Bust Quarter - 25/50C

Coin Details

Description

The 1822 Proof Capped Bust Quarter - 25/50C is part of the Capped Bust Quarters 1815-1838 series. This is a blundered denomination variety: the reverse die was initially engraved with "50 C." for a half dollar, then corrected to read "25 C." for a quarter. The underlying "50" remains visible beneath the "25," creating one of the most dramatic die errors in early U.S. coinage. Research by Steve Tompkins suggests the die originated around 1818. The same blundered reverse die was pulled from storage and reused for the 1828 B-3 quarter six years later, demonstrating how the early Mint conserved valuable die steel. PCGS estimates approximately 42 survivors across all grades, making this two to three times scarcer than the normal 1822 reverse. With a mintage of only 6, this is an extremely rare issue. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a mob cap or turban, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with shield on breast, olive branch and arrows in talons, with a banner reading E PLURIBUS UNUM. Designed by John Reich. Struck in 89.2% silver, 10.8% copper, weighing 6.74 grams, 27.5 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #5367. The Capped Bust Quarter was first struck in 1815 — there is no 1808-1814 quarter production — making the 1815 a historically important first-year issue. The 1823/2 overdate is a classic rarity. The 1827 original (restrike controversial) and certain proof-only dates attract specialized collectors.