1827 1827/3 Restrike Proof

The 1827 1827/3 Restrike proof Capped Bust Quarter was not struck in 1827 itself. Die-state evidence indicates at least two distinct restriking periods at the Philadelphia Mint after the original 1827 proofs were made. Karl Moulton has proposed that the earliest Restrikes were produced to test the close-collar technology the Mint was about to adopt across silver coinage in 1831, while heavily rusted later strikings probably date to the 1850s when the Mint produced various older-dated proofs to satisfy collector demand. The Restrike pairs the same overdated 1827/3 obverse die used on the Originals with a different reverse die showing a flat-base 2 in the "25 C." denomination, distinguishing the issue from the original 1827 proofs both physically and historically. Restrikes of this kind were a quietly accepted Mint practice of the era and have full standing as authentic United States coins, but they are clearly later productions rather than contemporary 1827 strikings.

The single most important diagnostic separating Restrike from Original is the base of the "2" in the reverse denomination "25 C." (not the obverse date). Restrikes display a FLAT-BASE 2, with a straight horizontal foot at the bottom of the digit, while Originals show a CURL-BASE 2 with a recurved lower stroke. Use 10x magnification on the reverse "25 C." to confirm. The underdigit "3" beneath the final "7" of the obverse date is present on both varieties. Specifications match Type 1: 27 millimeters in diameter, 6.74 grams in weight, 89.24 percent silver and 10.76 percent copper, with a reeded edge. Proof authentication still demands mirror fields, sharp rims, and full design relief. John Dannreuther lists this as JD-2 in his "Encyclopedia of United States Proof Coinage 1722-1989," and Sheldon rarity sits on the R-6 to R-7 boundary, with roughly fifteen examples believed to survive.

Combined Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) population reports show roughly a dozen graded examples between them. Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers handle the public sales when these appear, often pairing them with Original offerings for comparison. Read the full Capped Bust Quarter series history.