Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 34

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

$2.50 Gold

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 886		1805 $2.50 Capped Bust. PCGS graded AU-58. A hint of light golden brown tone. Luster still visable. Low mintage of 1,781 minted. A fresh looking example of this rare early type. Heraldic eagle quarter eagles are a very scarce and overlooked series, and while the 1805 has been classed as a "common" date, the truth is, it is really very rare when brought outside the context of the early quarter eagle series. Well struck on the obverse stars with some residual softness in the center of the reverse as well as Liberty's hair waves, the surfaces show none of the prooflike aspects sometimes seen on these coins. Light adjustment marks in the hair. Pop 13; 6 finer. The capped bust right quarter eagle type commenced in 1796 and lasted through 1807, but the combined mintage of all ten Guide Book issues (excluding the 1796 No Stars) fails to reach 20,000 coins. The rarity of these issues is largely unacknowledged, and while the 1805 doesn't stand out within the series, if truth be told it is quite hard to acquire in the overall sense. 1805 is the year Alexis De Tocqueville was born (1805-1859). He came to America in 1831 at the age of 26, and wrote the definitive travelogue and description of early 19th century American culture in his "Democracy in America." (PCGS # 7653) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 17,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $18,975
Lot 887		1806 $2.50 Capped Bust. 6 over 5. NGC graded AU-58. A few light scratches and a minute rim bruise at 3 o'clock. Adjustment marks on the eagle and shield. Lustrous with splendid eye-appeal. An important rarity in the series. The strike is decent, but shows minor weakness on Liberty's central hair, on the scroll and area surrounding the eagle's neck. No doubt the dies were worn by the time this one was coined, and striking quality varied from variety to variety on these. Pop 2; 7 better. (PCGS # 7655) . This variety is so intriguing and desirable not just for its clear unavailability, but for its technical aspects. Few dies in the American series have been used one year, altered, and used again to strike coins since this often destroys the dies; but this obverse die was used on every 1805 quarter eagle ever struck before being altered into an 1806/5 overdate. The reverse was used on quarter eagles in 1805, twice in 1806, again in 1807 and also on dimes of 1807! What an interesting and unique situation, and a great story to go with one of the great rarities of the gold series. Estimated Value $50,000 - 55,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $67,275
Lot 888		1808 $2.50 Capped Bust. NGC graded AU-55. Only 2,710 minted. One year type coin. Nice untoned example. Pop 5; 31 finer, many repeats. Tiny planchet flaw near the right obv. stars. For the date, a frosty, satiny pale golden specimen that is just shy of Mint quality and boasts luster on both sides. Attractively struck as well, with some softness at the first two stars on the left, all 6 stars on the right, and a portion of the eagle's body. Designed by John Reich (whose secret "signature" of a chip out of one point of star 13 shows clearly). Only 2,710 1808 Quarter Eagles were struck. Had this been, say, a Half Eagle of 1808, nobody would single it out from the others as an extreme rarity; however, because it is a Quarter Eagle is boasts being a one-year design. More to the point is this particular coin's lofty state of preservation: About Uncirculated 55. According to gold researchers there have been only few appearances of specimens of comparable quality (PCGS # 7660) . Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $115,000
Lot 889		1825 $2.50 Capped Head. SEGS graded MS-60. Expert rim repair @ K12. Our grade is sharpness of AU55 with fine scratches and expert repair. Actually, quite pleasing even with the aformentioned problems. The mintage for the 1825 capped head left quarter eagle is 4,434 pieces. This total falls more or less in the core of the various dates as far as the 1821-28 "large diameter" issues in this series are concerned, with the first-year 1821 boasting a higher total and the 1824/1, 1826/5, and final-year 1827 much lower ones. Despite the fact that the 1821 was produced in greater numbers, David Akers (in his 1975 compendium on quarter eagles) described the 1825 as "the most common date of this rare type." It is clear that the author included the key phrase "rare type," for fear that the reader gets the wrong idea that the 1825 is a plentiful coin in an absolute sense. It is anything but. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $8,625
Lot 890		$2.50 Gold Capped Head. 1831. NGC graded Proof 64 Cameo. Deeply reflective fields that are straw yellow with a small amount of russet toning in the periphery. Stunning with every detail razor sharp! A very lustrous example with lighter yellow and frosty devices standing out against the mirrored fields. Some faint hairlines on the obverse and reverse. Identified by two tiny tick marks at the top of the cheekbone, a small horizontal lint mark between star 4 & 5 near denticles and a second mint-made impression diagonally cross the legs of R in LIBERTY. The narrative for the 1831 business strike quarter eagle in Gem condition, the following lot, discusses the rarity of these early Capped Bust quarter eagles. Characterized by small mintages that later met melting and all sorts of other obstacles, this series of U.S. gold rarely exists in any uncirculated grade. Proofs are even more rare, the 1831 having an estimated mintage figure of 10 coins! NGC has graded three 1831 quarter eagles in proof, a Proof 63, Proof 64 Cameo (this coin) and a single Proof 66 as finest. PCGS has graded three coins as well, 2 specimens in Proof 62 and a single Proof 66 as finest. It is possible these figures are high by a case or two of resubmission inflation. Estimated Value $130,000 - 150,000. From Stack's sale of the "J.F. Bell" (Jake Shapiro) Collection in 1944, Lot 97; Numismatic Gallery's sale of the "Memorable" Collection, March 1948, Lot 91. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $148,350
Lot 891		1836 $2.50 Classic Head. Script 8. EF-40. A pleasing example of this early William Kneass-designed quarter eagle. Smooth surfaces, excellent color, and eye appeal for the grade. Estimated Value $550 - 600. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $702
Lot 892		1836 $2.50 Classic Head. Block 8. NGC graded AU-58. About equal rarity as the script 8. Soft-edged devices and hair curls throughout the centers, as commonly seen; only a small percentage of this year's production is found with enough convincing detail to be called "bold." A lustrous example of the 1836 year. Pop 40. Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,200. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 893		1836. Block 8. PCGS graded AU-55. Semi reflective service with hint of light golden toning. The devices that were left by the dies lack a certain precision due to insufficient die pressure, but it often found on this date: the hair braid at the brow to the ear is weak, as is LIB at top. Pop 11; 50 finer. (PCGS # 97694) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,200. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,265
Lot 894		1838 $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded MS-64. Nice frosty example. Very simply stated, this coin must be seen to be appreciated. Dense, frosty, and brilliant green-gold with very slightly reddish color providing a visible improvement over just about every other known example (though it must be mentioned that the finest known is the remarkable MS67 specimen that was sold in the Harry Bass sale a few years ago). A few tiny marks in the field noted. Slightly weak at the highest point of hair on the obverse, seen mainly in the curls below the ear. Only 47,030 struck. Pop 7; 5 in 65; 1 in 67. (PCGS # 7696) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 895		1839-C $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded MS-61. Mostly untoned with a decent strike, in fact, a very sharp strike for a gold quarter eagle from this scarce branch mint. Light yellow to reddish gold, somewhat granular but decidedly frosty and everything about it is original. The best part about this 1839-C is that it is sharply struck with a wealth of detail in Liberty's hair curls, the lovelock curl before the ear, and the highest point on the obverse, the curl above the ear. A scarce issue of extraordinary importance as the first quarter eagle from the newly opened Charlotte Mint and only seldom offered in Mint State. This piece has strong recutting on the date, most noticeable on the 39 of the date. Only 18,140 minted. Pop 8; 2 in 62; 1 in 63. (PCGS # 7699) . Estimated Value $24,000 - 26,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $23,000
Lot 896		1839-C $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded AU-58. Mint mark on the obv. Lightly toned. Warm orange to brownish gold, lightly abraded, and with indications of choice rims that are far in advance of the usual specimen. Luster is retained in the fields around the legends and main devices. Sharply struck with a wealth of detail (see die characteristics below). A scarce issue of special importance as the first quarter eagle from the newly opened Charlotte Mint. Many have called the 1839-C the 9 over 8 overdate. Rather than being an overdate, this is better described as a repunched date, in our opinion. On the present piece a tiny line or crack connects the truncation to the rim just to the right side of the C mintmark; there is a lengthier die crack from the rim, through star 9 into the hair. Of three 1839-C die varieties known, this specimen has the mintmark over space between 83 and the die show a large crack, left shield tip to beak and down through leg. Pop 57; 13 finer. (PCGS # 7699) . Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $14,375
Lot 897		1839-C $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded AU-58. Nice rich golden toning. Nicely struck for the date, perhaps not entirely so, but certainly a coin that gets proper mention where completeness of design is almost impossible to achieve on the stars and in some of the main central elements. Warm orange-gold color rather than golden brightness gives this coin a prestigious appearance, with luster throughout the deeper highlights in the protected regions. From the second year of Charlotte Mint coinage operations, and the last of just two years with obverse mintmark placement. Pop 57; 13 finer. (PCGS # 7699) . Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,500
Lot 898		1839-C. NGC graded AU-58. Nice strike and mostly untoned. Only 18,140 minted. Pop 57; 13 finer. Among quarter eagles of the Classic Head type the present 1839-C stands as a landmark. It is clearly on the cusp of Mint State, quite well struck, in pleasing yellow gold, and with much the luster remaining. The portrait on this issue is unusual in its features, representing some of the experimentation that was going on in the quarter eagle series, numismatically defined today by differences in the hair style for 1834 to 1839. Seemingly, in this time engraver Christian Gobrecht was experimenting with the copper cent and the gold quarter eagle, both being the smallest denominations made at the time in their respective metals. Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $14,375
Lot 899		1839-C $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded AU-58. Some widely spread abrasions in the fields and on Liberty, but quite sharp for this Charlotte Mint strike. A lustrous impression whose surface originality is clearly on display. Pop 57; 13 better. The finest graded in MS63 (PCGS # 7699) . Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,800
Lot 900		1839-C $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded AU-55. Mostly untoned. This very choice example has a few light surface hairlines and marks, but in addition, there are several well defined die breaks as are typically found on the C mint 1839. Pop 20; 6 finer. (PCGS # 7699) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 901		1839-D $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded MS-61. Lovely golden toning. Lustrous bright orange gold with a wealth of detail in the strike, plus bold eagle feathers and knobby feet on the reverse. The surfaces are very lightly abraded, but unlike most known examples this has nice mint frostiness throughout including the high points. This variety has slight recutting within 39 and has often been described as an overdate. One of the finest reported 1839-D quarter eagles. Only 17,781 minted. Pop 8; 3 in 62; 3 in 63; 1 in 64. (PCGS # 7700) . Estimated Value $22,000 - 25,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $21,850
Lot 902		1839-O $2.50 Classic Head. SEGS graded MS-61. Just too many handling marks for us to grade this better than AU55, yet all the same this is a lustrous example of the popular obverse mintmark issue of 1839. The central device of Liberty with copious curly locks was by William Kneass. Since Kneass was incapacitated during 1835-1840 after suffering a stroke, it is assumed that his assistant, Christian Gobrecht, made most or all of the dies used to strike these handsome quarter eagles. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $3,450
Lot 903		1839-O $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded AU-55. Untoned. Popular "O" mint date. A scant 17,781 Quarter Eagles were struck in New Orleans during 1839, all bearing the obverse Mintmark above the date. This particular one was saved in very choice About Uncirculated condition. Pop 40. (PCGS # 7701) . Slight weakness at the brow and on the curls at the base of the neck, as struck. Estimated Value $2,500 - 2,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 904		1839-O. NGC graded AU-50. Lightly toned with nice details.Popular classic head "O" mint type, this is the first instance of a New Orleans minted gold coin (the mint began operations in 1838, but struck only half dimes and dimes the first year). Evenly worn and attractive. Pop 24. (PCGS # 7701) . Estimated Value $1,700 - 1,800. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $2,013
Lot 905		1840-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. A hint of light toning. Some luster still evident. Not only is the 1840-C a rarity in Mint State, but the issue is generally scarce in any grade. What we are pleased to report to readers, and what the clear photographs courtesy of our professional coin photographer, is that the condition is outstanding! Indeed, this may be one of the freshest MS61 quarter eagles available. The surface is clean with a yellow-golden to greenish tint, centers bold including the eagle and shield, with only the stars sometimes rounded on their tops. Further in importance, the 1840-C is the first year of the Liberty Head series, and thus for the type collector or the Charlotte specialist the 1840 has a special reputation. Only 12,822 struck. Pop 5; 1 in 62; 3 in 63. (PCGS # 7718) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,363
Lot 906		1840-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Light golden toning with semi reflective surfaces. The 1840-D was minted to the extent of only 3,523 pieces. Its importance is similar to that of the 1840-C issue, except that the 1840-D is typically found in lower grades and, as if that were not enough, is usually poorly struck. The present specimen is quite well struck for the issue, although the reverse tends to be more weakly impressed on the eagle than the obverse is on Liberty; about a match for the Winter plate coin. Douglas Winter notes in his book that "The 1840-D is among the most poorly struck Dahlonega quarter eagles." Pop 6; 2 in 58; 1 in 61; 1 in 62. (PCGS # 7719) . Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $14,375
Lot 907		1840-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-53. Nice strike with lovely gold toning although there is an old scratch through the hair and portrait; behind the head, a diagonal straight die crack extends all the way to the rim. This year's importance is analogous to that of the earlier-offered 1840-C issue, except that the 1840-D is typically found in even lower grades and, as if that were not enough, is usually disappointingly struck. Only 3,532 minted. Pop 3; 1 in 55; 2 in 58; 2 in 61. (PCGS # 7719) . Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 908		1840-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-50. Mostly untoned. Numerous die breaks on both sides including a bisecting crack diagonally through the obverse. There is one tiny nick on the eye and another, smaller mark on the nose, but the surface is generally much nicer than average for this very scarce, early branch mint quarter eagle. Only 3,532 minted, which is a far cry from the nearly thirteen thousand seen in 1840-C. Pop 11; 8 finer. (PCGS # 7719) . On the reverse the D mintmark is deeply embedded in the bottom of the arrow feather. Previously this was the only reverse die known for 1840-D quarter eagle coinage, but a new variety has recently been discovered. The horizontal shield lines are pierced by multiple extensions of the vertical stripes, as is the bottom outline of the shield, an interesting item for the die variety student but typical of the era. (For a well-researched and extensive study of the early dates in this $2.50 denomination, we point the reader to the treasure trove of information available on the web at the Harry Bass Foundation website, harrybassfoundation.org. Everyone and anyone who collects these rare dates should drink deeply from the bottomless well of research provided by the Bass Foundation.). Estimated Value $10,000 - 11,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 909		1840-O $2.50 Liberty. SEGS graded AU-58. Our grade is AU55 with fine hairlines from old cleaning. Just about fully struck, with just a dash of weakness at the hair braid and on the eagle, consistent with the early New Orleans gold strikes one sees offered. Only 33,580 minted. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,725
Lot 910		1841-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-55. Warm yellow to orange gold. Somewhat prooflike in protected areas. Moderately well struck for the issue; a light hairline between stars 12 and 13 slight granular effect on hair, face and neck, no doubt taken into consideration by PCGS. Pop 4; 1 in 62; 1 in 63 (PCGS # 7722) . Estimated Value $8,500 - 9,500. Ex:Ashland City. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,775
Lot 911		1842-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-53. Only 6,729 minted. Untoned. Struck with not quite the required mathematical precision by the dies, which isn't unusual for Dahlonega, some areas like the stars and hair braid are incomplete by an unsuccessful strike left by the rebound of the dies, as the photos show. And yet plenty of luster remains to attest to the About Uncirculated grade of this scarce year. Pop 8; 19 finer. (PCGS # 7724) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 6,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 912		1842-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-50. Nice even toning on both sides with a few nicks on the lips and around Liberty's nose. Normal detail on all devices, with just a narrow region of weakness found on the stars as well as some central detail. A remarkable coin given the age of the piece and the tendency of these to exist well circulated. Only 6,739 minted. Pop 6; 13 finer. (PCGS # 7724) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $5,750
Lot 913		1842-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Light golden toning on both sides. Lustrous surfaces. Excellently struck, and notably so, on the obverse including with far above average (but not bold) definition on the eagle. A important rare D mint issue, it seems there are a couple of marginal Mint State specimens recorded, a few that are higher than this About Uncirculated 55, but that pretty much covers the census. Interestingly, the most recent edition of the Guide Book of United States Coins naively lists and prices "MS-60" coins as if they traded regularly. In fact, one can read this reference and conclude that virtually every variety of Charlotte and Dahlonega quarter eagle is obtainable in this grade. Pop 5; 14 finer. (PCGS # 7725) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 914		1842-D. NGC graded AU-53. Only a few minor and scattered abrasions in the surface; the rims are without rim bumps or other problems, which is always noteworthy. A legendary rarity among Dahlonega Mint Quarter Eagles, the 1842-D was produced to the extent of just 4,643 pieces. With only 75-85 coins believed left mostly lower grades (per Winter, 2003), the 1842-D ranks fifth in rarity in this D-mint gold series. It is thus rarer in an absolute terms than the other Dahlonega Mint quarter eagles with the exception of the 1840-D, 1854-D, 1855-D, and 1856-D. In high grades (AU and Mint State), Doug Winter accounts for no more than 10 survivors, all of which he reports as AU. The major grading services confirm that the 1842-D is almost unobtainable in Mint State (see above), there being no coins graded finer than AU-58 at PCGS. Along with the 1856-D, the 1842-D is the second rarest Dahlonega Mint Quarter Eagle in high grades after the 1840-D. Pop 2; 5 in 55; 12 in 58; 2 in 61; 1 in 65. (PCGS # 7725) . Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 915		1842-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-50. Lightly toned and well struck. Nearly fully struck, in fact, with just the faintest touch of weakness at the centers but far nicer than the reverses of dates in the 1850s from this Southern branch mint. The color is pleasing coppery gold to pale peach-gold with choice surfaces barring a few scattered marks on the face of Liberty. The 18 in date is doubled at the bottom on this variety. Only 4,643 pieces made! Pop 5; 3 in 53; 6 in 55; 5 in 58. (PCGS # 7725) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $8,338
Lot 916		1842-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-50. Difficult date to locate. Light but even wear on the high points, with somewhat wider top border (on the obverse) than the bottom as though the dies were ever so slightly misaligned within the collar. The 1842-D is among the semi-key dates with its extremely low mintage and resultant low population. Only 4,633 minted. Pop 3 with 21 finer. (PCGS # 7725) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 917		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. SEGS graded MS-63. Bold and needle sharp from slightly buckeled dies and very lustrous. Golden orange and definitely a full mint state coin. Initially in 1843, according to Breen, the Charlotte Mint struck small date coins, only 2,988 were delivered in April of that year. Then the large date dies were delivered to Charlotte and coinage began again. The large date pieces were delivered from June 30 through December 30. The larger coinage of 23,076 were struck put into circulation. Only a few of the Small Date pieces have been graded as Mint State, and this is clearly a pleasing one. A foremost opportunity for the advanced numismatist. Alternately, according to the Harry Bass auction sale of a similar 1843-C small date quarter eagle, the 23,076 pieces attributed by Breen as the Large Date might have included some Small Date varieties as well. "If Walter Breen's figures are correct, 2,988 Small Date and 23,076 Large Date, then, all things being equal, Small Date pieces should be about eight times rarer today. However, such does not seem to be the case. Douglas Winter gives an estimate of 45 to 50 pieces known totally for the Small Date and 75 to 80 known totally for the Large Date; in other words, the Large Date is not even twice as rare, let alone eight times as rare." Estimated Value $20,000 - 25,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 918		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. NGC graded AU-58. Bold strike with rich golden toning. The color on this handsome specimen complements the lustrous high grade of AU58 with its pleasing patina and look of originality. Furthermore, there are no obvious marks or heavy abrasions affecting the delicate surfaces, thereby putting it well ahead of most others seen around the level of preservation. The obverse rim is widest at the left and narrows slightly along the right, as it includes a "fin" or knife edge where some of the metal got squeezed between the obverse die and the collar die (which holds the coin in place during striking). Pop 13; 1 in 60; 3 in 61; 2 in 62. (PCGS # 7729) . Estimated Value $11,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $12,075
Lot 919		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Large date, plain 4. PCGS graded MS-62. Mostly untoned yielding a pleasing yellow gold surface. Much original mint luster remains in the fields, on the devices, and everywhere that it counts. Some lightness of striking at the center as always of the hair below BERT as usual. But not usual is the notation "Usually seen VF," written by Walter Breen in his encyclopedia of United States coinage, a reflection of the rarity of the present coin in the Mint State grade here offered. Under magnification the obverse logotype is too large for the space fixed on the die, with the result that the digits are crowded between the neck and the denticles. This same Large Date logotype as used on the Philadelphia Mint variety. Note as well that the first two digits are notably repunched, the last two less so. Only 23,076 minted. Pop 3; 1 in 64; 1 in 65. (PCGS # 7728) . Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000. H W Bass Jr. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $11,500
Lot 920		1843-C $2.50 Liberty. Large date, plain 4. PCGS graded AU-58. Nice mostly untoned example. The devices were struck with such insufficient power by the dies leaving most all central design elements showing, but a few areas mushy. The letters in the legend, on the other hand, along with the stars, are clarity personified. Mintage: 23,076. Pop 8; 7 finer. (PCGS # 7728) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 921		1843-D $2.50 Liberty. Small Date. PCGS graded MS-62. Well struck with light golden toning. Small Date font, as always seen on Dahlonega Mint issues this year. Obverse with a barely visible die crack from the bust tip to the rightmost ray of star 1. Reverse with deeply punched D mintmark. The Philadelphia Mint shipped two obverses and five reverses to Dahlonega in December 1842 and January 1843, indicating that the supply of reverses (which, of course, bear no dates) had run out. The production proved to be generous by Dahlonega Mint standards, and several die varieties were made, including variations in mintmark size, large and small. With the 1843-D we come to the first Liberty head Dahlonega quarter eagle that can be readily plentiful on the present market, at least in circulated grades all the way to choice About Uncirculated. Pop 4; 2 in 63 as best by PCGS. (PCGS # 7730) . Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $15,525
Lot 922		1843-D $2.50 Liberty. Small Date. NGC graded MS-60. Light even golden toning with mint frostiness everywhere, including the cheek contours. Well struck. The devices were struck not just shy of the required force by the dies leaving all design elements plain but with clear-cut, crystal clarity in almost all areas including the key hair above the ear and the eagle's legs, neck feathers, and shield outline. A wonderful opportunity for the buyer of rare date gold. Very rare with only 2,988 pieces made. Pop 3; 1 in 61; 4 in 62; 2 in 63. (PCGS # 7730) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,475
Lot 923		1843-O $2.50 Liberty. Small date, crosslet 4. PCGS graded MS-64. Mostly untoned. A couple of tiny raised dots on the neck, as struck (imperfections in the die). Bold rims with equally bold centers showing only a trifle weak detail on the hair and ER of LIBERTY, as well as the eagle's neck feathers. Obverse and reverse surfaces nearly completely prooflike, imparting a special quality to the piece. Indeed, this is one of the finest branch mint quarter eagles we have ever seen of any date and issue in the series. The specialist will recognize this to be perhaps the most elegant, most beautiful surviving 1843-O quarter eagle. The connoisseur with an interest in early pieces, but not especially quarter eagles, will also wish to consider this as a rare prize. Truly, it is a piece for all time. Obverse with Small Date logotype fitting comfortably between the neck and the dentils, and about centered. The stars on the obverse sharper than average for this piece, some of which appear to have been struck from lapped or reground dies which weakened the stars. Pop 4; none finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 7731) . Estimated Value $13,000 - 14,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 924		1844 $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. A small chattermark in the field by the nose. Light yellow gold. Well struck and very attractive. Elusive in any and all higher grades, with Walter Breen's comment being as relevant as any: "Usually in low grades, prohibitively rare AU." Moreover, the mintage for this year is remarkably low for the era, just 6,784 pieces. A prize coin by any accounting. Only one die pair has been recognized for this issue. The date logotype is large, and somewhat distorted. Pop 8; 3 better. (PCGS # 7734) . Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 925		1844-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Only 11,622 minted. A hint of light gold toning. The Charlotte specialist will want to consider this opportunity carefully and bid strongly. A similar opportunity may not recur. Warm gold amber to orange toned surfaces. Fairly lustrous for this grade, intermingled with a few slight marks and one minor rim nick at the 10th star. High quality seldom seen among quarter eagles of this date and mint. High Condition Census, as well, and one the finest certified. In his work on the subject, Douglas Winter lists just one known Mint State specimen, noting that it is the piece that was in the Fairfield Collection, Lot 1497, high AU, but "other viewers felt it is a full MS-60." Since publication of Winter's guidebook, other Mint States have been certified by the grading services, but only a few. Pop 4; 5 in MS62. (PCGS # 7735) . Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Unsold
Lot 926		1844-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Bold strike with light gold toning. Similar overall to the Harry Bass specimen which graded Mint State 61, this is a blushingly vivid yellow gold coin, very lustrous and thoroughly pleasing. That is also well struck, including minute details on the eagle's feathers makes it notable in this respect, especially as most are weakly struck at the center of the obverse and reverse. Only 17,332 minted. Pop 7; 7 in 62; 5 in 63. (PCGS # 7736) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,763
Lot 927		1844-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Light gold toning. Well struck with a few little marks in the left obverse field. Word of a collection of high quality, low mintage branch mint quarter eagles like this is sure to get passed around among the cognoscenti of rare date gold collectors; for bidders whose studiously examine these, you'll be the ones to succeed in crossing the threshold of successful bidding. Pop 27; 7 in 61; 7 in 62; 5 in 63. (PCGS # 7736) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,888
Lot 928		1844-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Lovely rich gold toning. This color tends to be warm and deeply lustrous here, distinctive quality found only on the highest quality specimens. The 1844-D quarter eagle is actually a rare coin, since from the mintage of 17,332, a few hundred remain in worn grades. However, at the choice About Uncirculated level finding an example of this variety is certainly hard to pin down. Many Dahlonega gold coins require some understanding due to their indifferent strikes. However, the 1844-D offered here is well made, with all the fine detail showing in the hair below LIBERTY in the coronet. The specialist expects this, no problem, but it isn't often available. Thus, this is a real charmer in all the ways that count: rarity, quality, aesthetic appeal, and value. Someone once wrote that modern-day collectors know the price of everything but the value of nothing, meaning that they will often over pay for no sane reason; that isn't the case with this truly desirable 1844-D quarter eagle. Pop 10; 16 finer. (PCGS # 7736) . Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,000. View details Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,715
Lot 929		1845-D $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-60. Well struck and untoned. A prize rarity, which is among the finest recorded (the Bass specimen grades PCGS MS63). Evidently, this piece overshadows most examples that were known to Douglas Winter at the time he wrote his reference book, where he noted a solitary Mint State coin called "Graded MS-61 by NGC." This nicely original and well struck coin combines to make this a milestone offering for the Dahlonega Mint specialist. Obverse with date logotype extremely close to neck truncation, notably separated from denticles below, but still close. Logotype punched more deeply into the die at the first part of the date than toward the end. Some light clash marks are observed around the eagle, particularly at the upper right of the shield. Pop 1; 4 in 61; 1 in 62; 1 in 63 (ex Bass). (PCGS # 7738) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 930		1845-D $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-58. Lightly toned a pale orange-heather shade. Well struck for the most part with a few surface marks on the jaw and hair above the ear. Only 19,460 minted. Pop 15; 1 in 61; 2 in 62; 1 in 63 (PCGS # 7738) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 931		1845-D. NGC graded AU-58. Well struck with mint luster evident. Dates in the 1840s tend to be sharper and more carefully made than the quarter eagles from this mint struck in the 1850s. This is a particularly attractive example, as the photographs show and as close, first-hand inspection amplifies. As such, it is a coin that would make a wonderful addition to anyone's collection of rare branch mint quarter eagles. Pop 27; 7 finer. (PCGS # 7738) . Estimated Value $5,500 - 6,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,038
Lot 932		1846 $2.50 Liberty. SEGS graded MS-61. We note a mark on the chin and 2 parallel scratches in the right obv. field. Our grade is AU55, but you'll enjoy the smooth luster on this early piece. In 1846, the year this quarter eagle was minted, an obscure law in another country helped immeasurably to improve the condition of America's farmers. That year, under terms of the repeal of the Corn Laws of 1815, Great Britain reduced the duty on oats, barley and wheat to the insignificant sum of one shilling per quarter, which meant that English merchants and importers could now buy far vaster quantities of American agricultural products than ever before, spurring business on both sides of the Atlantic ocean. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000. View details and enlarged photos	Unsold
Lot 933		1846 $2.50 Liberty. SEGS graded AU-58. We note some fine hairlines from old cleaning. Our grade of AU50 seems more appropiate, yet still the centers are sharply defined as are the stars, giving this coin a pleasing appearance. Only 21,598 minted. Estimated Value $700 - 800. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $690
Lot 934		1846-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-58. Nice golden toning on both sides. A touch of weakness is seen at the stars and hair curls, but here it is probably that the dies were spaced just far enough apart to prevent stronger metal flow in that area, a characteristic of the mid-1840s Charlotte strikes of all denominations. Attractive surfaces and color throughout. Pop 9; 5 finer. (PCGS # 7741) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $10,925
Lot 935		1846-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded AU-50. Struck from well made dies, and a truly memorable 1846-C. A survey of specialized collections of Charlotte Mint coins will reveal that the typically encountered grade is Very Fine and Extremely Fine. In virtually every instance, coins grading About Uncirculated are exceptions on the high side. On the obverse the toning is natural "old gold" with orange to brownish tints and is particularly prominent in the area around the stars, date, and head; the reverse, too, is attractively toned, all original, a splendid in every way, with excellent detail in the centers. Only 4,808 pieces minted, only 20% or so of the mintage total for the far commoner 1846-D. Pop 10; 16 finer. (PCGS # 7741) . Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $6,613

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