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Sale 67
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Lot 1209
1855-D. PCGS graded MS-63 CAC Approved. Boldly struck and sparkling with mint luster. A Premium Quality coin for this given grade. This is the finest example we have ever auctioned. Pop 1; none finer at either service. Only 60 examples are estimated to have survived. While 1856-D quarter eagle gets all the movie-star applause and publicity, the 1855-D is an issue with an appearance and distinction that is easily identifiable to even the least specialized collector of Dahlonega gold coinage. This piece has a strike that is typical for the issue, with moderate (but not excessive) weakness seen at the borders. Many of the denticles are not fully formed on both sides. The centers are actually much better well defined on this specimen than on lesser quality examples, with some strong individual detail seen on the hair and feathers. LIBERTY on the headband has a somewhat granular appearance from where the metal did not completely fill the recesses in the die. A few of the hair curls below the ear are also slightly ill-formed. Stars, however, are excellent. The eagle shows sharp wings, arrowheads, leaves, with normal soft features in the center. The surfaces have wonderful luster and texture to them, free of marks, and consistent with the unbelievable MS63 grade. This is a very pleasing example of a date not known for its eye appeal.
Only 1,123 pieces were produced. It was once believed that the 1855-D quarter eagle was the rarest Dahlonega gold coin, but the 1856-D quarter eagle took top honors twenty-five years ago and has held that spot. Which is not to overlook the fact this is still a rare coin in all grades, and pretty much unavailable above About Uncirculated unless one gets released from a Great Collection. A star-quality offering for the Top Connoisseur in this series (PCGS # 7776) .
Die Characteristics: Date logotype very deeply impressed into die. Very slightly doubled at lower left of final digit. Logotype very close to dentils, about twice as close as to the neck truncation above. Raised die lines are seen around much of the rim, particularly on the right side of the coin. On the reverse the D mintmark is high. The center is about half filled diagonally with part of the arrow feather. As is true of many if not most Dahlonega coins, the master die was driven deeply into the working die, creating a very bold relief and resulting in the lowest arrow touching the bottom of the final A (AMERICA).
Estimated Value $50,000 - 70,000.
The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection.
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| Realized $86,250 |
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