1819 Quarter error 0

[RWB]

Descriptions of errors on US coins are very scarce in archival correspondence. Here is a letter from 1889 and the Philadelphia Mint's response. Notice that the writer - who happens to avoid punctuation - specifically identifies himself as a coin collector.

St. Louis, Mo.

August 10, 1889

Daniel M. Fox, Esq.

Dear Sir:

            I have an 1819 quarter the 25¢ on the reverse is struck thus 25  c double 5. Is this simply a slip of the die or was this an authorized strike. I also have an 18X5 quarter which I am told is an overstrike. Was there any overstrike this late?

            Can you let me know the record of 1823 and 1827 quarter coined? I have tried to obtain above information from dealers from whom I have bought coins, but have been referred to you. If you will answer above question you will greatly oblige.

            Yours truly,

            C. Chambers.

            Collector of Rare American Coins

            Jefferson Avenue & Carr St.

            St. Louis, MO.

[Ed. – Reply from Robert McClure, Curator of Mint Cabinet.]

The double 5 on the 25-cent piece of 1819 as described was caused by a slip of the die.

The latest overstrikes were about 1824.

16,450 quarter dollars were coined in 1823, and 4,000 were coined in 1827.

            M^c.

Edited January 27, 2021 by RWB