1823 1823/2 Overdate Proof

The 1823/2 overdate proof Capped Bust Quarter exists because the Philadelphia Mint, working to economize on hand-engraved dies, repunched an unused 1822-dated die with the new 1823 date rather than producing fresh dies. The result is a "3" punched over a "2" in the date, with the lower curve of the underlying "2" still partially visible. Mint records confirm extremely limited 1823 quarter production overall, and only a tiny number of proof strikings were prepared from this overdate die. These proofs represent a confluence of two notable conditions: an overdate (a popular collecting niche) and a proof striking (an even rarer category). Survivors trace back to important cabinets of the mid-to-late 1800s, and they remain among the most desirable Capped Bust quarters obtainable.

The Type 1 Capped Bust quarter weighs 6.74 grams, measures 27 millimeters in diameter, and consists of 89.24 percent silver and 10.76 percent copper. To authenticate this overdate, examine the date area with 10x magnification. The remnant "2" shows as a curved line extending below the loop of the "3" and a serif protruding to the left at the digit's mid-point. On a proof, this remnant is preserved in razor-sharp relief against deeply mirrored fields, since the doubled strike pressure on polished dies brings up every die feature including the underdigit traces. Look also for the mirror reflectivity, squared rims, and fully struck hair detail above Liberty's ear that distinguish a proof from a prooflike business strike. John Dannreuther lists this as JD-1 in his "Encyclopedia of United States Proof Coinage 1722-1989," and Sheldon rarity is estimated R-7 to R-8 with roughly four to six examples believed extant.

Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) combined populations report only a small handful of graded examples. Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers anchor the public auction record. Read the full Capped Bust Quarter series history.