***Auction Highlight*** NGC 1820 B-4 R-2 Small 0 Capped Bust Quarter 25c Graded ms66 By NGC. HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT – Delightful golden-tan patina dominates this impressive Gem, revealing vibrant splashes of olive-gold and turquoise-blue iridescence surrounding the design elements. The eye appeal is strong and the surfaces remain virtually untouched beneath a glass. A light prooflike shimmer is noted in the field which contrasts the more satiny luster that blankets the devices. Well centered with a sharp ring of denticles on both sides. This is a truly historic offering that boasts provenance to some of the most prominent numismatists of the past century. It was purchased privately by John M. Clapp from the Chapman brothers in January 1900 and was later passed to Louis E. Eliasberg Sr as part of the Clapp Estate in 1942. We first had the pleasure of offering this piece in our legendary sale of the Eliasberg Collection in April 1997, where it was recognized for it's "Condition Census Quality" and "strong, mirrored fields." More recently, it was included in the magnificent collection of Eugene H. Gardner, which further testifies to the superior quality. It sits at the top of the Condition Census by a clear margin, ranked at CC#1 by both the Tompkins (2008) and Rea-Koenings-Haroutunian (2010) censuses. It ranks above even the Proof from the Norweb Collection graded PF-64 (PCGS) and the historic Newman specimen now graded MS-64 (PCGS). This Gem remains important even within the wider 1820 Small O issue and is notably tied with the MS-66 (PCGS) B-5 from the Pogue Collection. Only 2 coins have been graded finer by NGC across all 1820 varieties, though this likely includes the Newman specimen that has since been certified MS-64 (PCGS), as previously mentioned.Provenance: From the Iron Eagle Collection. Earlier ex S.H. and H. Chapman, privately in January 1900; John M. Clapp; John H. Clapp Estate to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., 1942; Bowers and Merena sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, April 1997, lot 1378; Bowers and Merena sale of August 1998, lot 153; Bowers and Merena sale of July 2003, lot 1146; Superior's sale of January 2004, lot 275; Heritage's sale of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection, Part III, May 2015, lot 98321.NGC Census: 2; 2 finer across all 1820 varieties. A Corey's Pick, Bid to Win, Don't let it get Away, you might not find its equal Coin. I give this coin my highest recommendation