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Variety 2-C per Briggs' "Comprehensive Encyclopedia" for Liberty Seated Quarters. Obverse 2 - the date is essentially even, distance-wise, from the rock. Reverse C - the virtually embedded mintmark touching both the feather and stem. Q. David Bowers, in his Red Book "A Guide Book Of Liberty Seated Silver Coins" states, "These are very scarce, even more so than the 1855-S, 1856-S, or 1858-S. As an anomaly, the 1857-S in AU grade is the most often seen San Fransisco quarter of the 1850s."
Variety 2-C per Briggs' "Comprehensive Encyclopedia" for Liberty Seated Quarters. Obverse 2 - the date is essentially even, distance-wise, from the rock. Reverse C - the virtually embedded mintmark touching both the feather and stem. Q. David Bowers, in his Red Book "A Guide Book Of Liberty Seated Silver Coins" states, "These are very scarce, even more so than the 1855-S, 1856-S, or 1858-S. As an anomaly, the 1857-S in AU grade is the most often seen San Fransisco quarter of the 1850s."
Pedigree: Gold Coast Collection (2022) Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" mention, "The 1861 gold dollar is also very desirable as an example of Civil-War-era coinage. Most examples seen of this date are well struck but sometimes come from very heavily clashed dies. Occasionally, it is possible to distinguish a full outline and even parts of the word LIBERTY on the reverse." The coin listed here was not struck with clashed dies and has the standard reverse die alignment.
Pedigree: Gold Coast Collection (2022) Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" mention, "The 1861 gold dollar is also very desirable as an example of Civil-War-era coinage. Most examples seen of this date are well struck but sometimes come from very heavily clashed dies. Occasionally, it is possible to distinguish a full outline and even parts of the word LIBERTY on the reverse." The coin listed here was not struck with clashed dies and has the standard reverse die alignment.
Very Rare Doubled Date. 2/24/2023 Research Update: 637 individual serial numbers (PCGS, NGC, ANACS, IGC) have now been reviewed with only 3 confirmed examples of the Double Date variety. The coin here has a significantly higher grade than the other two confirmed examples (ANACS XF40 and AU58). Two other examples (XF45 and AU55) have yet to be confirmed. ANACS lists the variety whereas PCGS and NGC do not. ANACS only lists 4 known graded pieces (1 ea, XF40, XF45, AU55 and AU58) of which I have located 2 photos, the AU58 and the XF40. The third photo is that shown above, an MS64. ANACS was not able to furnish the serial numbers of the other two pieces. The data I have is on an Excel spreadsheet and duplicate serial numbers have been removed so that the photos I examined are discrete entities. There is, however, still the possibility of duplicate coins due to resubmissions, although I believe the number is small in comparison to the aggregate total. Damaged, detail, and coins with blurry photos or without serial numbers have been excluded from my research. I also found a total of nine Double Die Obverse coins (two of which were not identified as such). 44 DDO coins are currently listed on the PCGS, NGC and ANACS websites. Q.David Bowers' "A Guide Book of Gold Dollars" and Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", make reference to the Doubled Date and the Double Die Obverse as interesting varieties, yet nothing beyond the fact that they exist. "Walter Breens' Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" states the coin is, "Very rare. Date first punched too high, then corrected lower." Pedigree; Maurice Storck Collection.
Very Rare Doubled Date. 2/24/2023 Research Update: 637 individual serial numbers (PCGS, NGC, ANACS, IGC) have now been reviewed with only 3 confirmed examples of the Double Date variety. The coin here has a significantly higher grade than the other two confirmed examples (ANACS XF40 and AU58). Two other examples (XF45 and AU55) have yet to be confirmed. ANACS lists the variety whereas PCGS and NGC do not. ANACS only lists 4 known graded pieces (1 ea, XF40, XF45, AU55 and AU58) of which I have located 2 photos, the AU58 and the XF40. The third photo is that shown above, an MS64. ANACS was not able to furnish the serial numbers of the other two pieces. The data I have is on an Excel spreadsheet and duplicate serial numbers have been removed so that the photos I examined are discrete entities. There is, however, still the possibility of duplicate coins due to resubmissions, although I believe the number is small in comparison to the aggregate total. Damaged, detail, and coins with blurry photos or without serial numbers have been excluded from my research. I also found a total of nine Double Die Obverse coins (two of which were not identified as such). 44 DDO coins are currently listed on the PCGS, NGC and ANACS websites. Q.David Bowers' "A Guide Book of Gold Dollars" and Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", make reference to the Doubled Date and the Double Die Obverse as interesting varieties, yet nothing beyond the fact that they exist. "Walter Breens' Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" states the coin is, "Very rare. Date first punched too high, then corrected lower." Pedigree; Maurice Storck Collection.
Very Rare Doubled Date. 2/24/2023 Research Update: 637 individual serial numbers (PCGS, NGC, ANACS, IGC) have now been reviewed with only 3 confirmed examples of the Double Date variety. The coin here has a significantly higher grade than the other two confirmed examples (ANACS XF40 and AU58). Two other examples (XF45 and AU55) have yet to be confirmed. ANACS lists the variety whereas PCGS and NGC do not. ANACS only lists 4 known graded pieces (1 ea, XF40, XF45, AU55 and AU58) of which I have located 2 photos, the AU58 and the XF40. The third photo is that shown above, an MS64. ANACS was not able to furnish the serial numbers of the other two pieces. The data I have is on an Excel spreadsheet and duplicate serial numbers have been removed so that the photos I examined are discrete entities. There is, however, still the possibility of duplicate coins due to resubmissions, although I believe the number is small in comparison to the aggregate total. Damaged, detail, and coins with blurry photos or without serial numbers have been excluded from my research. I also found a total of nine Double Die Obverse coins (two of which were not identified as such). 44 DDO coins are currently listed on the PCGS, NGC and ANACS websites. Q.David Bowers' "A Guide Book of Gold Dollars" and Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", make reference to the Doubled Date and the Double Die Obverse as interesting varieties, yet nothing beyond the fact that they exist. "Walter Breens' Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" states the coin is, "Very rare. Date first punched too high, then corrected lower." Pedigree; Maurice Storck Collection.
Very Rare Doubled Date. 2/24/2023 Research Update: 637 individual serial numbers (PCGS, NGC, ANACS, IGC) have now been reviewed with only 3 confirmed examples of the Double Date variety. The coin here has a significantly higher grade than the other two confirmed examples (ANACS XF40 and AU58). Two other examples (XF45 and AU55) have yet to be confirmed. ANACS lists the variety whereas PCGS and NGC do not. ANACS only lists 4 known graded pieces (1 ea, XF40, XF45, AU55 and AU58) of which I have located 2 photos, the AU58 and the XF40. The third photo is that shown above, an MS64. ANACS was not able to furnish the serial numbers of the other two pieces. The data I have is on an Excel spreadsheet and duplicate serial numbers have been removed so that the photos I examined are discrete entities. There is, however, still the possibility of duplicate coins due to resubmissions, although I believe the number is small in comparison to the aggregate total. Damaged, detail, and coins with blurry photos or without serial numbers have been excluded from my research. I also found a total of nine Double Die Obverse coins (two of which were not identified as such). 44 DDO coins are currently listed on the PCGS, NGC and ANACS websites. Q.David Bowers' "A Guide Book of Gold Dollars" and Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", make reference to the Doubled Date and the Double Die Obverse as interesting varieties, yet nothing beyond the fact that they exist. "Walter Breens' Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Colonial Coins" states the coin is, "Very rare. Date first punched too high, then corrected lower." Pedigree; Maurice Storck Collection.
Borckardt Variety 6, R2. Obverse - low date with 5 left of curl, LIBERTY shows signs of re-punching. Reverse - A M widely spaced with A close to wing.
Borckardt Variety 6, R2. Obverse - low date with 5 left of curl, LIBERTY shows signs of re-punching. Reverse - A M widely spaced with A close to wing.
"Perfect" obverse - an early strike without the bisecting obverse crack, with full radial lines on the stars, and strong leaf/berry stems on the reverse. It also shows doubling of the legend "D STATES OF" and the left wingtip, which is also seen on PCGS MS64 SN 46092970, although not mentioned in books relevant to the date. Fields are somewhat proof-like. The reverse is rotated 10-15 degrees clock-wise from the normal position.
"Perfect" obverse - an early strike without the bisecting obverse crack, with full radial lines on the stars, and strong leaf/berry stems on the reverse. It also shows doubling of the legend "D STATES OF" and the left wingtip, which is also seen on PCGS MS64 SN 46092970, although not mentioned in books relevant to the date. Fields are somewhat proof-like. The reverse is rotated 10-15 degrees clock-wise from the normal position.
"Perfect" obverse - an early strike without the bisecting obverse crack, with full radial lines on the stars, and strong leaf/berry stems on the reverse. It also shows doubling of the legend "D STATES OF" and the left wingtip, which is also seen on PCGS MS64 SN 46092970, although not mentioned in books relevant to the date. Fields are somewhat proof-like. The reverse is rotated 10-15 degrees clock-wise from the normal position.
"Perfect" obverse - an early strike without the bisecting obverse crack, with full radial lines on the stars, and strong leaf/berry stems on the reverse. It also shows doubling of the legend "D STATES OF" and the left wingtip, which is also seen on PCGS MS64 SN 46092970, although not mentioned in books relevant to the date. Fields are somewhat proof-like. The reverse is rotated 10-15 degrees clock-wise from the normal position.
Single variety HM-1, Obverse 1, Reverse H PCGS/NGC graded population 606, including resubmissions. Haynor estimates a total population in all grades of about 450 and only 7 graded MS65 and higher, while PCGS CoinFacts estimates a survival of 400 with 9 graded MS65 or higher. The TE in UNITED appears to have been re-punched to the left. There are two small triangular remnants of the T between the top of the T and the E and there is a small triangular remnant of the E at the top leg of the E in UNITED. Also, the first A in AMERICA has a wide lower left leg and narrow upper leg between the cross bar and top, the M in AMERICA has a "toe" on the inside right serif, and the dentils above the M are very short. I have seen these peculiarities on all of the coins I've looked at in photos. Just interesting observations.
Single variety HM-1, Obverse 1, Reverse H PCGS/NGC graded population 606, including resubmissions. Haynor estimates a total population in all grades of about 450 and only 7 graded MS65 and higher, while PCGS CoinFacts estimates a survival of 400 with 9 graded MS65 or higher. The TE in UNITED appears to have been re-punched to the left. There are two small triangular remnants of the T between the top of the T and the E and there is a small triangular remnant of the E at the top leg of the E in UNITED. Also, the first A in AMERICA has a wide lower left leg and narrow upper leg between the cross bar and top, the M in AMERICA has a "toe" on the inside right serif, and the dentils above the M are very short. I have seen these peculiarities on all of the coins I've looked at in photos. Just interesting observations.
Single variety HM-1, Obverse 1, Reverse H PCGS/NGC graded population 606, including resubmissions. Haynor estimates a total population in all grades of about 450 and only 7 graded MS65 and higher, while PCGS CoinFacts estimates a survival of 400 with 9 graded MS65 or higher. The TE in UNITED appears to have been re-punched to the left. There are two small triangular remnants of the T between the top of the T and the E and there is a small triangular remnant of the E at the top leg of the E in UNITED. Also, the first A in AMERICA has a wide lower left leg and narrow upper leg between the cross bar and top, the M in AMERICA has a "toe" on the inside right serif, and the dentils above the M are very short. I have seen these peculiarities on all of the coins I've looked at in photos. Just interesting observations.
Single variety HM-1, Obverse 1, Reverse H PCGS/NGC graded population 606, including resubmissions. Haynor estimates a total population in all grades of about 450 and only 7 graded MS65 and higher, while PCGS CoinFacts estimates a survival of 400 with 9 graded MS65 or higher. The TE in UNITED appears to have been re-punched to the left. There are two small triangular remnants of the T between the top of the T and the E and there is a small triangular remnant of the E at the top leg of the E in UNITED. Also, the first A in AMERICA has a wide lower left leg and narrow upper leg between the cross bar and top, the M in AMERICA has a "toe" on the inside right serif, and the dentils above the M are very short. I have seen these peculiarities on all of the coins I've looked at in photos. Just interesting observations.
Single variety HM-1, Obverse 1, Reverse H PCGS/NGC graded population 606, including resubmissions. Haynor estimates a total population in all grades of about 450 and only 7 graded MS65 and higher, while PCGS CoinFacts estimates a survival of 400 with 9 graded MS65 or higher. The TE in UNITED appears to have been re-punched to the left. There are two small triangular remnants of the T between the top of the T and the E and there is a small triangular remnant of the E at the top leg of the E in UNITED. Also, the first A in AMERICA has a wide lower left leg and narrow upper leg between the cross bar and top, the M in AMERICA has a "toe" on the inside right serif, and the dentils above the M are very short. I have seen these peculiarities on all of the coins I've looked at in photos. Just interesting observations.
Single variety HM-1, Obverse 1, Reverse H PCGS/NGC graded population 606, including resubmissions. Haynor estimates a total population in all grades of about 450 and only 7 graded MS65 and higher, while PCGS CoinFacts estimates a survival of 400 with 9 graded MS65 or higher. The TE in UNITED appears to have been re-punched to the left. There are two small triangular remnants of the T between the top of the T and the E and there is a small triangular remnant of the E at the top leg of the E in UNITED. Also, the first A in AMERICA has a wide lower left leg and narrow upper leg between the cross bar and top, the M in AMERICA has a "toe" on the inside right serif, and the dentils above the M are very short. I have seen these peculiarities on all of the coins I've looked at in photos. Just interesting observations.
HM-1, R-4. The 8 and 9 in the date are noticeably re-punched. This coin does not show any clash marks which may indicate that this coin is from the April 1839 production run. As stated by Daryl Haynor in his book "United States Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839", "The 1839 is by far the rarest Philadelphia Classic Gold quarter eagle, neck and neck with the 1838-C for overall supremacy. Garret and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" suggest, "The 1839 quarter eagle is the sleeper rarity of the series. Although the mintage of this date is more than three times as high as that of the 1838-C issue, there have been fewer 1839 examples graded than any of other date... the raw numbers are an indication that this date is much rarer than is generally perceived." David Aker's Auction Analysis of Quarter Eagles (1975) also maintains the rarity by stating, "This is certainly one of the most underrated quarter eagles of this type. The auction records clearly indicate that the 1839/8 is nearly as rare as the lower mintage 1838-C or 1839/8-D." His average grade for the date is VF-37.
HM-1, R-4. The 8 and 9 in the date are noticeably re-punched. This coin does not show any clash marks which may indicate that this coin is from the April 1839 production run. As stated by Daryl Haynor in his book "United States Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839", "The 1839 is by far the rarest Philadelphia Classic Gold quarter eagle, neck and neck with the 1838-C for overall supremacy. Garret and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" suggest, "The 1839 quarter eagle is the sleeper rarity of the series. Although the mintage of this date is more than three times as high as that of the 1838-C issue, there have been fewer 1839 examples graded than any of other date... the raw numbers are an indication that this date is much rarer than is generally perceived." David Aker's Auction Analysis of Quarter Eagles (1975) also maintains the rarity by stating, "This is certainly one of the most underrated quarter eagles of this type. The auction records clearly indicate that the 1839/8 is nearly as rare as the lower mintage 1838-C or 1839/8-D." His average grade for the date is VF-37.
HM-1, R-4. The 8 and 9 in the date are noticeably re-punched. This coin does not show any clash marks which may indicate that this coin is from the April 1839 production run. As stated by Daryl Haynor in his book "United States Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839", "The 1839 is by far the rarest Philadelphia Classic Gold quarter eagle, neck and neck with the 1838-C for overall supremacy. Garret and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" suggest, "The 1839 quarter eagle is the sleeper rarity of the series. Although the mintage of this date is more than three times as high as that of the 1838-C issue, there have been fewer 1839 examples graded than any of other date... the raw numbers are an indication that this date is much rarer than is generally perceived." David Aker's Auction Analysis of Quarter Eagles (1975) also maintains the rarity by stating, "This is certainly one of the most underrated quarter eagles of this type. The auction records clearly indicate that the 1839/8 is nearly as rare as the lower mintage 1838-C or 1839/8-D." His average grade for the date is VF-37.
Haynor/McCloskey variety HM-1, R3+, Winters variety 2 (3-B) Obverse - Recut 39 in the date. Die cracks are evident from star 2, star 9 and the 3 in the date, and all converge toward the center. Reverse - Die cracks appear at the left facing wing tip, under the A in STATES, and through the 2 in the denomination.
Borckardt variety 28, Winter variety 2-B. This is the scarcer of the two varieties known (1/3 of population per Borckardt). Obverse - Low date, 9 closer to rim than curl, 3 and 9 show signs of re-punching, mint mark is left of center of 3. Many of the stars show signs of having been re-cut. Reverse - Medalic alignment, 1 and 2 touch fraction bar, berry is present but disconnected from branch, misshapen arrow heads. Later die state showing die crack running from rim at N in UNITED to rim at R in AMERICA. Also a light die crack is seen at right wing tip to the back of the eagle's head. Some of the vertical shield lines extend up into the horizontal lines, they also extend below the shield into the arrow fletching. The coin is very bright (signs of conservation / dipping) with luster limited to the protected areas (stars and legend). Very hard to photograph. The photos, both mine and PCGS's, don't do the coin justice.
Borckardt variety 28, Winter variety 2-B. This is the scarcer of the two varieties known (1/3 of population per Borckardt). Obverse - Low date, 9 closer to rim than curl, 3 and 9 show signs of re-punching, mint mark is left of center of 3. Many of the stars show signs of having been re-cut. Reverse - Medalic alignment, 1 and 2 touch fraction bar, berry is present but disconnected from branch, misshapen arrow heads. Later die state showing die crack running from rim at N in UNITED to rim at R in AMERICA. Also a light die crack is seen at right wing tip to the back of the eagle's head. Some of the vertical shield lines extend up into the horizontal lines, they also extend below the shield into the arrow fletching. The coin is very bright (signs of conservation / dipping) with luster limited to the protected areas (stars and legend). Very hard to photograph. The photos, both mine and PCGS's, don't do the coin justice.
Borckardt variety 28, Winter variety 2-B. This is the scarcer of the two varieties known (1/3 of population per Borckardt). Obverse - Low date, 9 closer to rim than curl, 3 and 9 show signs of re-punching, mint mark is left of center of 3. Many of the stars show signs of having been re-cut. Reverse - Medalic alignment, 1 and 2 touch fraction bar, berry is present but disconnected from branch, misshapen arrow heads. Later die state showing die crack running from rim at N in UNITED to rim at R in AMERICA. Also a light die crack is seen at right wing tip to the back of the eagle's head. Some of the vertical shield lines extend up into the horizontal lines, they also extend below the shield into the arrow fletching. The coin is very bright (signs of conservation / dipping) with luster limited to the protected areas (stars and legend). Very hard to photograph. The photos, both mine and PCGS's, don't do the coin justice.
Borckardt variety 28, Winter variety 2-B. This is the scarcer of the two varieties known (1/3 of population per Borckardt). Obverse - Low date, 9 closer to rim than curl, 3 and 9 show signs of re-punching, mint mark is left of center of 3. Many of the stars show signs of having been re-cut. Reverse - Medalic alignment, 1 and 2 touch fraction bar, berry is present but disconnected from branch, misshapen arrow heads. Later die state showing die crack running from rim at N in UNITED to rim at R in AMERICA. Also a light die crack is seen at right wing tip to the back of the eagle's head. Some of the vertical shield lines extend up into the horizontal lines, they also extend below the shield into the arrow fletching. The coin is very bright (signs of conservation / dipping) with luster limited to the protected areas (stars and legend). Very hard to photograph. The photos, both mine and PCGS's, don't do the coin justice.
Borckardt variety 28, Winter variety 2-B. This is the scarcer of the two varieties known (1/3 of population per Borckardt). Obverse - Low date, 9 closer to rim than curl, 3 and 9 show signs of re-punching, mint mark is left of center of 3. Many of the stars show signs of having been re-cut. Reverse - Medalic alignment, 1 and 2 touch fraction bar, berry is present but disconnected from branch, misshapen arrow heads. Later die state showing die crack running from rim at N in UNITED to rim at R in AMERICA. Also a light die crack is seen at right wing tip to the back of the eagle's head. Some of the vertical shield lines extend up into the horizontal lines, they also extend below the shield into the arrow fletching. The coin is very bright (signs of conservation / dipping) with luster limited to the protected areas (stars and legend). Very hard to photograph. The photos, both mine and PCGS's, don't do the coin justice.
Per the "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" by Garrett and Guth, "The year 1840 is the first year of issue for the Liberty Head quarter eagle design by Christian Gobrecht. Today this date is quite popular for that reason. Surprisingly, these coins were not saved in significant quantities at the time of issue... Most coins seen are poorly struck in the center, with light die breaks sometimes encountered." The strike is also noted by David Akers in his "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles". He states, "Always flatly struck on the head of Liberty, the stars, and on the eagle. Much more rare than the standard references and even the low mintage would indicate, particularly in grades above EF... Very underrated." Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties Of $1, $2.50 and $5.00 United States Gold", suggests the "Broken die state is very rare." What has not been detailed by any of the authors is that the "broken die state" reverse coins also have a different obverse. The date is in a slightly different location (the 1 is left of center of a dentil versus right) and the 18 is thicker than the normal date. Also the 40 in the date is re-punched with the initial punch high and corrected lower. This can be seen between the crosslet and serif in the 4 and in the lower portion of the 0. Reference, PCGS s/n 83921274 (MS63+) and 37305318 (MS62).
Per the "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" by Garrett and Guth, "The year 1840 is the first year of issue for the Liberty Head quarter eagle design by Christian Gobrecht. Today this date is quite popular for that reason. Surprisingly, these coins were not saved in significant quantities at the time of issue... Most coins seen are poorly struck in the center, with light die breaks sometimes encountered." The strike is also noted by David Akers in his "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles". He states, "Always flatly struck on the head of Liberty, the stars, and on the eagle. Much more rare than the standard references and even the low mintage would indicate, particularly in grades above EF... Very underrated." Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties Of $1, $2.50 and $5.00 United States Gold", suggests the "Broken die state is very rare." What has not been detailed by any of the authors is that the "broken die state" reverse coins also have a different obverse. The date is in a slightly different location (the 1 is left of center of a dentil versus right) and the 18 is thicker than the normal date. Also the 40 in the date is re-punched with the initial punch high and corrected lower. This can be seen between the crosslet and serif in the 4 and in the lower portion of the 0. Reference, PCGS s/n 83921274 (MS63+) and 37305318 (MS62).
Per the "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" by Garrett and Guth, "The year 1840 is the first year of issue for the Liberty Head quarter eagle design by Christian Gobrecht. Today this date is quite popular for that reason. Surprisingly, these coins were not saved in significant quantities at the time of issue... Most coins seen are poorly struck in the center, with light die breaks sometimes encountered." The strike is also noted by David Akers in his "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles". He states, "Always flatly struck on the head of Liberty, the stars, and on the eagle. Much more rare than the standard references and even the low mintage would indicate, particularly in grades above EF... Very underrated." Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties Of $1, $2.50 and $5.00 United States Gold", suggests the "Broken die state is very rare." What has not been detailed by any of the authors is that the "broken die state" reverse coins also have a different obverse. The date is in a slightly different location (the 1 is left of center of a dentil versus right) and the 18 is thicker than the normal date. Also the 40 in the date is re-punched with the initial punch high and corrected lower. This can be seen between the crosslet and serif in the 4 and in the lower portion of the 0. Reference, PCGS s/n 83921274 (MS63+) and 37305318 (MS62).
Per the "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" by Garrett and Guth, "The year 1840 is the first year of issue for the Liberty Head quarter eagle design by Christian Gobrecht. Today this date is quite popular for that reason. Surprisingly, these coins were not saved in significant quantities at the time of issue... Most coins seen are poorly struck in the center, with light die breaks sometimes encountered." The strike is also noted by David Akers in his "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles". He states, "Always flatly struck on the head of Liberty, the stars, and on the eagle. Much more rare than the standard references and even the low mintage would indicate, particularly in grades above EF... Very underrated." Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties Of $1, $2.50 and $5.00 United States Gold", suggests the "Broken die state is very rare." What has not been detailed by any of the authors is that the "broken die state" reverse coins also have a different obverse. The date is in a slightly different location (the 1 is left of center of a dentil versus right) and the 18 is thicker than the normal date. Also the 40 in the date is re-punched with the initial punch high and corrected lower. This can be seen between the crosslet and serif in the 4 and in the lower portion of the 0. Reference, PCGS s/n 83921274 (MS63+) and 37305318 (MS62).
Rare (50-60 known per PCGS). As Garrett and Guth state in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "As the tiny mintage suggests, the 1842 Liberty Head quarter eagle is a major rarity in any grade...A review of other auction records reveals that this date is seldom offered for sale in any grade... The 1842 quarter eagle is still very rare, much more so than many of the more popular Southern mint issues." David Akers' "An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles" his average grade at the time (1975) was VF29.
Rare (50-60 known per PCGS). As Garrett and Guth state in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "As the tiny mintage suggests, the 1842 Liberty Head quarter eagle is a major rarity in any grade...A review of other auction records reveals that this date is seldom offered for sale in any grade... The 1842 quarter eagle is still very rare, much more so than many of the more popular Southern mint issues." David Akers' "An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles" his average grade at the time (1975) was VF29.
A single variety exists - Winter 17-N Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861" also indicates the rarity is 7th of 20. He states, "The 1853-D quarter eagle is scarce in all grades. It is seen most often in VF to XF range..." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" echos the rarity, stating, "As the tiny mintage suggests, the 1853-D quarter eagle must be considered rare in any grade. Perhaps fewer than 100 coins still survive in all grades."
A single variety exists - Winter 17-N Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861" also indicates the rarity is 7th of 20. He states, "The 1853-D quarter eagle is scarce in all grades. It is seen most often in VF to XF range..." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" echos the rarity, stating, "As the tiny mintage suggests, the 1853-D quarter eagle must be considered rare in any grade. Perhaps fewer than 100 coins still survive in all grades."
A single variety exists - Winter 17-N Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861" also indicates the rarity is 7th of 20. He states, "The 1853-D quarter eagle is scarce in all grades. It is seen most often in VF to XF range..." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" echos the rarity, stating, "As the tiny mintage suggests, the 1853-D quarter eagle must be considered rare in any grade. Perhaps fewer than 100 coins still survive in all grades."
A single variety exists - Winter 17-N Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861" also indicates the rarity is 7th of 20. He states, "The 1853-D quarter eagle is scarce in all grades. It is seen most often in VF to XF range..." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" echos the rarity, stating, "As the tiny mintage suggests, the 1853-D quarter eagle must be considered rare in any grade. Perhaps fewer than 100 coins still survive in all grades."
A single variety exists - Winter 17-N Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861" also indicates the rarity is 7th of 20. He states, "The 1853-D quarter eagle is scarce in all grades. It is seen most often in VF to XF range..." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" echos the rarity, stating, "As the tiny mintage suggests, the 1853-D quarter eagle must be considered rare in any grade. Perhaps fewer than 100 coins still survive in all grades."
Variety 1 (Former variety 15-I, only variety known) Garrett and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" explain, "The 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce and popular coin in all grades. Most survivors are well circulated, and Mint State examples are very rare. Coins of this date are frequently found harshly cleaned or damaged. A pleasing 1854-C quarter eagle is quite the prize. Most surviving specimens are softly struck in the center, especially on the eagle's left wing and about the shield. On the reverse a small die break runs from the fraction bar to the rim. The Smithsonian's example is a pleasing Uncirculated coin and is among the finest known." Douglas Winter, in his "Gold Coins Of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861", lists the rarity at 6th of 20. He also states, "Only 7,295 examples were produced, giving this date the fifth lowest mintage figure of any quarter eagle from this mint. There are very few examples known that do not show extensively abraded surfaces... There is a strong die scratch [die crack] which runs from the fraction bar down to the rim on the reverse. All known examples have a small mint-made depression to the right of the eagle's neck." Mr. Winter's side bar also states, "Most often seen in the VF to EF range, the low mintage 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce date in all grades. It is scarce in the lower AU grades and rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins", considers the 1854-C quarter eagle "Very rare." David Aker's Quarter Eagle Auction Analysis comments "The 1854-C is a very rare date in all grades and is particularly difficult to obtain in full mint state." His average grade at the time (1975) was VF35. The coin shown here has well detail stars with complete radial lines and better than average detail on the hair above the eye and above the ear. It also shows the very weak die crack at the fraction bar and no strike doubling alluded to by Mr. Winter, which may suggest an early strike in this case. Die stria are also evident at the date and some other protected areas on the obverse.
Variety 1 (Former variety 15-I, only variety known) Garrett and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" explain, "The 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce and popular coin in all grades. Most survivors are well circulated, and Mint State examples are very rare. Coins of this date are frequently found harshly cleaned or damaged. A pleasing 1854-C quarter eagle is quite the prize. Most surviving specimens are softly struck in the center, especially on the eagle's left wing and about the shield. On the reverse a small die break runs from the fraction bar to the rim. The Smithsonian's example is a pleasing Uncirculated coin and is among the finest known." Douglas Winter, in his "Gold Coins Of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861", lists the rarity at 6th of 20. He also states, "Only 7,295 examples were produced, giving this date the fifth lowest mintage figure of any quarter eagle from this mint. There are very few examples known that do not show extensively abraded surfaces... There is a strong die scratch [die crack] which runs from the fraction bar down to the rim on the reverse. All known examples have a small mint-made depression to the right of the eagle's neck." Mr. Winter's side bar also states, "Most often seen in the VF to EF range, the low mintage 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce date in all grades. It is scarce in the lower AU grades and rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins", considers the 1854-C quarter eagle "Very rare." David Aker's Quarter Eagle Auction Analysis comments "The 1854-C is a very rare date in all grades and is particularly difficult to obtain in full mint state." His average grade at the time (1975) was VF35. The coin shown here has well detail stars with complete radial lines and better than average detail on the hair above the eye and above the ear. It also shows the very weak die crack at the fraction bar and no strike doubling alluded to by Mr. Winter, which may suggest an early strike in this case. Die stria are also evident at the date and some other protected areas on the obverse.
Variety 1 (Former variety 15-I, only variety known) Garrett and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" explain, "The 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce and popular coin in all grades. Most survivors are well circulated, and Mint State examples are very rare. Coins of this date are frequently found harshly cleaned or damaged. A pleasing 1854-C quarter eagle is quite the prize. Most surviving specimens are softly struck in the center, especially on the eagle's left wing and about the shield. On the reverse a small die break runs from the fraction bar to the rim. The Smithsonian's example is a pleasing Uncirculated coin and is among the finest known." Douglas Winter, in his "Gold Coins Of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861", lists the rarity at 6th of 20. He also states, "Only 7,295 examples were produced, giving this date the fifth lowest mintage figure of any quarter eagle from this mint. There are very few examples known that do not show extensively abraded surfaces... There is a strong die scratch [die crack] which runs from the fraction bar down to the rim on the reverse. All known examples have a small mint-made depression to the right of the eagle's neck." Mr. Winter's side bar also states, "Most often seen in the VF to EF range, the low mintage 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce date in all grades. It is scarce in the lower AU grades and rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins", considers the 1854-C quarter eagle "Very rare." David Aker's Quarter Eagle Auction Analysis comments "The 1854-C is a very rare date in all grades and is particularly difficult to obtain in full mint state." His average grade at the time (1975) was VF35. The coin shown here has well detail stars with complete radial lines and better than average detail on the hair above the eye and above the ear. It also shows the very weak die crack at the fraction bar and no strike doubling alluded to by Mr. Winter, which may suggest an early strike in this case. Die stria are also evident at the date and some other protected areas on the obverse.
Variety 1 (Former variety 15-I, only variety known) Garrett and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" explain, "The 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce and popular coin in all grades. Most survivors are well circulated, and Mint State examples are very rare. Coins of this date are frequently found harshly cleaned or damaged. A pleasing 1854-C quarter eagle is quite the prize. Most surviving specimens are softly struck in the center, especially on the eagle's left wing and about the shield. On the reverse a small die break runs from the fraction bar to the rim. The Smithsonian's example is a pleasing Uncirculated coin and is among the finest known." Douglas Winter, in his "Gold Coins Of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861", lists the rarity at 6th of 20. He also states, "Only 7,295 examples were produced, giving this date the fifth lowest mintage figure of any quarter eagle from this mint. There are very few examples known that do not show extensively abraded surfaces... There is a strong die scratch [die crack] which runs from the fraction bar down to the rim on the reverse. All known examples have a small mint-made depression to the right of the eagle's neck." Mr. Winter's side bar also states, "Most often seen in the VF to EF range, the low mintage 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce date in all grades. It is scarce in the lower AU grades and rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins", considers the 1854-C quarter eagle "Very rare." David Aker's Quarter Eagle Auction Analysis comments "The 1854-C is a very rare date in all grades and is particularly difficult to obtain in full mint state." His average grade at the time (1975) was VF35. The coin shown here has well detail stars with complete radial lines and better than average detail on the hair above the eye and above the ear. It also shows the very weak die crack at the fraction bar and no strike doubling alluded to by Mr. Winter, which may suggest an early strike in this case. Die stria are also evident at the date and some other protected areas on the obverse.
Variety 1 (Former variety 15-I, only variety known) Garrett and Guth, in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" explain, "The 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce and popular coin in all grades. Most survivors are well circulated, and Mint State examples are very rare. Coins of this date are frequently found harshly cleaned or damaged. A pleasing 1854-C quarter eagle is quite the prize. Most surviving specimens are softly struck in the center, especially on the eagle's left wing and about the shield. On the reverse a small die break runs from the fraction bar to the rim. The Smithsonian's example is a pleasing Uncirculated coin and is among the finest known." Douglas Winter, in his "Gold Coins Of the Charlotte Mint 1838-1861", lists the rarity at 6th of 20. He also states, "Only 7,295 examples were produced, giving this date the fifth lowest mintage figure of any quarter eagle from this mint. There are very few examples known that do not show extensively abraded surfaces... There is a strong die scratch [die crack] which runs from the fraction bar down to the rim on the reverse. All known examples have a small mint-made depression to the right of the eagle's neck." Mr. Winter's side bar also states, "Most often seen in the VF to EF range, the low mintage 1854-C quarter eagle is a scarce date in all grades. It is scarce in the lower AU grades and rare in properly graded AU55 to AU58." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins", considers the 1854-C quarter eagle "Very rare." David Aker's Quarter Eagle Auction Analysis comments "The 1854-C is a very rare date in all grades and is particularly difficult to obtain in full mint state." His average grade at the time (1975) was VF35. The coin shown here has well detail stars with complete radial lines and better than average detail on the hair above the eye and above the ear. It also shows the very weak die crack at the fraction bar and no strike doubling alluded to by Mr. Winter, which may suggest an early strike in this case. Die stria are also evident at the date and some other protected areas on the obverse.
Per Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "The size of the date on 1856 quarter eagles is much smaller than on previous issues from the Philadelphia Mint. Like the 1855 quarter eagle, the 1856 is unremarkable in circulated condition but becomes quite scarce in higher grades. Choice and gem examples are far rarer than later dates for this denomination... This date is usually well struck, and examples with moderate die scratches are sometimes seen." This coin does not show any die scratches but does have a small die rust spot at the jaw/neck. This appears to be common as the photo in Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia" of the Smithsonian coin shows the same spot.
Per Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "The size of the date on 1856 quarter eagles is much smaller than on previous issues from the Philadelphia Mint. Like the 1855 quarter eagle, the 1856 is unremarkable in circulated condition but becomes quite scarce in higher grades. Choice and gem examples are far rarer than later dates for this denomination... This date is usually well struck, and examples with moderate die scratches are sometimes seen." This coin does not show any die scratches but does have a small die rust spot at the jaw/neck. This appears to be common as the photo in Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia" of the Smithsonian coin shows the same spot.
Garrett and Guth state in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "The 1861-S quarter eagle is another issue with a moderately low mintage that was heavily circulated and has few survivors. This date is usually seen heavily worn and becomes increasingly rare in higher grades... The 1861-S quarter eagle does not garner much attention, but can be extremely difficult to locate in any grade." "Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" asserts, "'Type 1' rev. Very scarce. One obv. shipped Nov. 1860, one June 1861: leftover revs. from 1856. Much rarer in all grades than mintage figure suggests; usually weak VF, Ex. rare in EF, unknown UNC." Since his book was published in 1988, as many as 11 uncirculated coins may exist although PCGS suggests only 4 in MS60 and above. I have found 3 distinct reverse dies were used, identified by the location of the mint mark. The first has the mint mark slanted right with the lower serif of the S almost touching the fraction bar (see PCGS website MS62+ photo). The second is more upright and positioned above the upper serif of the D (see PCGS website AU58 photos). The third has the mint mark positioned left between the 1 in the fraction and the fraction bar (see NGC website sn 3516516-010 AU55)(This appears to be the rarest of the three and its the best photo I could find - sorry). This coin has the upright mint mark above the D upper serif. There is also a contact mark (point) between stars 7 and 8. Pedigree: Maurice Storck Collection (2020)
Garrett and Guth state in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "The 1861-S quarter eagle is another issue with a moderately low mintage that was heavily circulated and has few survivors. This date is usually seen heavily worn and becomes increasingly rare in higher grades... The 1861-S quarter eagle does not garner much attention, but can be extremely difficult to locate in any grade." "Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" asserts, "'Type 1' rev. Very scarce. One obv. shipped Nov. 1860, one June 1861: leftover revs. from 1856. Much rarer in all grades than mintage figure suggests; usually weak VF, Ex. rare in EF, unknown UNC." Since his book was published in 1988, as many as 11 uncirculated coins may exist although PCGS suggests only 4 in MS60 and above. I have found 3 distinct reverse dies were used, identified by the location of the mint mark. The first has the mint mark slanted right with the lower serif of the S almost touching the fraction bar (see PCGS website MS62+ photo). The second is more upright and positioned above the upper serif of the D (see PCGS website AU58 photos). The third has the mint mark positioned left between the 1 in the fraction and the fraction bar (see NGC website sn 3516516-010 AU55)(This appears to be the rarest of the three and its the best photo I could find - sorry). This coin has the upright mint mark above the D upper serif. There is also a contact mark (point) between stars 7 and 8. Pedigree: Maurice Storck Collection (2020)
Garrett and Guth state in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "The 1861-S quarter eagle is another issue with a moderately low mintage that was heavily circulated and has few survivors. This date is usually seen heavily worn and becomes increasingly rare in higher grades... The 1861-S quarter eagle does not garner much attention, but can be extremely difficult to locate in any grade." "Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" asserts, "'Type 1' rev. Very scarce. One obv. shipped Nov. 1860, one June 1861: leftover revs. from 1856. Much rarer in all grades than mintage figure suggests; usually weak VF, Ex. rare in EF, unknown UNC." Since his book was published in 1988, as many as 11 uncirculated coins may exist although PCGS suggests only 4 in MS60 and above. I have found 3 distinct reverse dies were used, identified by the location of the mint mark. The first has the mint mark slanted right with the lower serif of the S almost touching the fraction bar (see PCGS website MS62+ photo). The second is more upright and positioned above the upper serif of the D (see PCGS website AU58 photos). The third has the mint mark positioned left between the 1 in the fraction and the fraction bar (see NGC website sn 3516516-010 AU55)(This appears to be the rarest of the three and its the best photo I could find - sorry). This coin has the upright mint mark above the D upper serif. There is also a contact mark (point) between stars 7 and 8. Pedigree: Maurice Storck Collection (2020)
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" state, "The mintage of the 1862 quarter eagle dropped considerably at the Philadelphia Mint from the previous year. Even with a rather substantial production of nearly 100,000 coins, this date is scarce in all grades. The 1862 quarter eagle is many, many times rarer than the 1861. Gold coinage after the start of the Civil War did not circulate with regularity, and many great rarities were produced during this era. Most of the examples seen of this date are well struck, some with die clashes visible on one or both sides." Subtle die clashing on this coin can be seen with the aid of a loupe.
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" state, "The mintage of the 1862 quarter eagle dropped considerably at the Philadelphia Mint from the previous year. Even with a rather substantial production of nearly 100,000 coins, this date is scarce in all grades. The 1862 quarter eagle is many, many times rarer than the 1861. Gold coinage after the start of the Civil War did not circulate with regularity, and many great rarities were produced during this era. Most of the examples seen of this date are well struck, some with die clashes visible on one or both sides." Subtle die clashing on this coin can be seen with the aid of a loupe.
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" state, "The mintage of the 1862 quarter eagle dropped considerably at the Philadelphia Mint from the previous year. Even with a rather substantial production of nearly 100,000 coins, this date is scarce in all grades. The 1862 quarter eagle is many, many times rarer than the 1861. Gold coinage after the start of the Civil War did not circulate with regularity, and many great rarities were produced during this era. Most of the examples seen of this date are well struck, some with die clashes visible on one or both sides." Subtle die clashing on this coin can be seen with the aid of a loupe.
PCGS estimated survival of 80. Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties of $1, $2.50 and $5 US Gold" pg 8, comments "One of the most undervalued of all S mint quarter eagles; fewer are around than the 1875 S or 76 S." This is still true today for these two dates with the 75-S at 326 graded and the 76-S at 272 graded. Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia" lists the 1862-S as "Very Rare", "Usually VF; Ex rare above", "S-Mint coins continue to have "Type 1" rev. through 1876". David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Auction Analysis of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" echoes the sentiment, "Very rare in all grades and extremely underrated. This date is seldom available in any condition and its 24 appearances in 226 auctions places it in tenth in the entire quarter eagle series according to rarity by number of appearances... Without a doubt, the 1862-S is one of the major "sleepers" in the entire quarter eagle series and any specimen grading EF or better should be considered highly desirable." His average grade at the time (1975) shows an average grade of VF34. Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" comments, "The 1862-S quarter eagle was struck in far fewer numbers than coins of previous years at the San Francisco Mint. This date is very rare an any grade and extremely rare in Mint State. Most of the 1862-S quarter eagles are well worn or damaged... The Smithsonian example is About Uncirculated and is among the finest survivors for the date." The Smithsonian coin is graded AU50
PCGS estimated survival of 80. Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties of $1, $2.50 and $5 US Gold" pg 8, comments "One of the most undervalued of all S mint quarter eagles; fewer are around than the 1875 S or 76 S." This is still true today for these two dates with the 75-S at 326 graded and the 76-S at 272 graded. Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia" lists the 1862-S as "Very Rare", "Usually VF; Ex rare above", "S-Mint coins continue to have "Type 1" rev. through 1876". David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Auction Analysis of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" echoes the sentiment, "Very rare in all grades and extremely underrated. This date is seldom available in any condition and its 24 appearances in 226 auctions places it in tenth in the entire quarter eagle series according to rarity by number of appearances... Without a doubt, the 1862-S is one of the major "sleepers" in the entire quarter eagle series and any specimen grading EF or better should be considered highly desirable." His average grade at the time (1975) shows an average grade of VF34. Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" comments, "The 1862-S quarter eagle was struck in far fewer numbers than coins of previous years at the San Francisco Mint. This date is very rare an any grade and extremely rare in Mint State. Most of the 1862-S quarter eagles are well worn or damaged... The Smithsonian example is About Uncirculated and is among the finest survivors for the date." The Smithsonian coin is graded AU50
PCGS estimated survival of 80. Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties of $1, $2.50 and $5 US Gold" pg 8, comments "One of the most undervalued of all S mint quarter eagles; fewer are around than the 1875 S or 76 S." This is still true today for these two dates with the 75-S at 326 graded and the 76-S at 272 graded. Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia" lists the 1862-S as "Very Rare", "Usually VF; Ex rare above", "S-Mint coins continue to have "Type 1" rev. through 1876". David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Auction Analysis of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" echoes the sentiment, "Very rare in all grades and extremely underrated. This date is seldom available in any condition and its 24 appearances in 226 auctions places it in tenth in the entire quarter eagle series according to rarity by number of appearances... Without a doubt, the 1862-S is one of the major "sleepers" in the entire quarter eagle series and any specimen grading EF or better should be considered highly desirable." His average grade at the time (1975) shows an average grade of VF34. Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" comments, "The 1862-S quarter eagle was struck in far fewer numbers than coins of previous years at the San Francisco Mint. This date is very rare an any grade and extremely rare in Mint State. Most of the 1862-S quarter eagles are well worn or damaged... The Smithsonian example is About Uncirculated and is among the finest survivors for the date." The Smithsonian coin is graded AU50
PCGS estimated survival of 80. Walter Breen's monograph "New Varieties of $1, $2.50 and $5 US Gold" pg 8, comments "One of the most undervalued of all S mint quarter eagles; fewer are around than the 1875 S or 76 S." This is still true today for these two dates with the 75-S at 326 graded and the 76-S at 272 graded. Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia" lists the 1862-S as "Very Rare", "Usually VF; Ex rare above", "S-Mint coins continue to have "Type 1" rev. through 1876". David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Auction Analysis of Auction Records - Volume II - Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" echoes the sentiment, "Very rare in all grades and extremely underrated. This date is seldom available in any condition and its 24 appearances in 226 auctions places it in tenth in the entire quarter eagle series according to rarity by number of appearances... Without a doubt, the 1862-S is one of the major "sleepers" in the entire quarter eagle series and any specimen grading EF or better should be considered highly desirable." His average grade at the time (1975) shows an average grade of VF34. Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" comments, "The 1862-S quarter eagle was struck in far fewer numbers than coins of previous years at the San Francisco Mint. This date is very rare an any grade and extremely rare in Mint State. Most of the 1862-S quarter eagles are well worn or damaged... The Smithsonian example is About Uncirculated and is among the finest survivors for the date." The Smithsonian coin is graded AU50
David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis of Auction records - Volume II Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" (1975) comments, "Very rare in all grades..." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Continental Coins" (1988) calls the 1867 Quarter Eagle, "Rare... Business strikes (Jan. 22) have hollows (polished areas) below BE and in and below ear." And most recently (2008) Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" indicates, "The 1867 quarter eagle is scarce, if not truly rare, in all grades. Most of the examples seen are circulated to some degree, and this date is very rare in full Mint State... Most of the high-grade examples seen have at least partially prooflike surfaces." Garrett and Guth also indicates the "Finest Smithsonian Institution specimen: AU-55" This coin also shows field die stria (angling 11:00 to 5:00) below the nose, jaw, and at the date - similar to PCGS s/n 16403663 (MS61).
David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis of Auction records - Volume II Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" (1975) comments, "Very rare in all grades..." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Continental Coins" (1988) calls the 1867 Quarter Eagle, "Rare... Business strikes (Jan. 22) have hollows (polished areas) below BE and in and below ear." And most recently (2008) Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" indicates, "The 1867 quarter eagle is scarce, if not truly rare, in all grades. Most of the examples seen are circulated to some degree, and this date is very rare in full Mint State... Most of the high-grade examples seen have at least partially prooflike surfaces." Garrett and Guth also indicates the "Finest Smithsonian Institution specimen: AU-55" This coin also shows field die stria (angling 11:00 to 5:00) below the nose, jaw, and at the date - similar to PCGS s/n 16403663 (MS61).
David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis of Auction records - Volume II Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" (1975) comments, "Very rare in all grades..." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. And Continental Coins" (1988) calls the 1867 Quarter Eagle, "Rare... Business strikes (Jan. 22) have hollows (polished areas) below BE and in and below ear." And most recently (2008) Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" indicates, "The 1867 quarter eagle is scarce, if not truly rare, in all grades. Most of the examples seen are circulated to some degree, and this date is very rare in full Mint State... Most of the high-grade examples seen have at least partially prooflike surfaces." Garrett and Guth also indicates the "Finest Smithsonian Institution specimen: AU-55" This coin also shows field die stria (angling 11:00 to 5:00) below the nose, jaw, and at the date - similar to PCGS s/n 16403663 (MS61).
Pedigree: Millenium Collection, Toro Collection (2021). Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1867 quarter eagle is scarce, if not truly rare, in all grades. Most of the examples seen are circulated to some degree, and this date is very rare in full Mint State... Most of the high-grade examples seen have at least partially prooflike surfaces." They also indicate that the Finest Smithsonian Institution specimen is an AU-55 (as of 2008). David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis of Auction records - Volume II Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" (1975) comments, "Very rare in all grades..." PCGS estimates the survival in all grades at 50 This coin does exhibit prooflike surfaces in protected areas.
Pedigree: Millenium Collection, Toro Collection (2021). Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1867 quarter eagle is scarce, if not truly rare, in all grades. Most of the examples seen are circulated to some degree, and this date is very rare in full Mint State... Most of the high-grade examples seen have at least partially prooflike surfaces." They also indicate that the Finest Smithsonian Institution specimen is an AU-55 (as of 2008). David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis of Auction records - Volume II Quarter Eagles 1796-1929" (1975) comments, "Very rare in all grades..." PCGS estimates the survival in all grades at 50 This coin does exhibit prooflike surfaces in protected areas.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" comments, "Quarter eagles from the San Francisco Mint of this era all share common themes - they are usually found well worn and are rare in high grade. The 1869-S is no exception, as most of the coins are found for this year are relatively low grade." David Akers, in his Auction Analysis of 1975 suggested, "Scarce as a date... Most specimens I have seen were very bluntly struck and have relatively little detail on the hair around Liberty's face or on the eagle's right leg and neck... grossly underpriced, particularly in choice condition." He gave the 1869-S quarter eagle an average grade of VF30 although the current graded population suggest a better average would be in the VF45-AU50 range.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" comments, "Quarter eagles from the San Francisco Mint of this era all share common themes - they are usually found well worn and are rare in high grade. The 1869-S is no exception, as most of the coins are found for this year are relatively low grade." David Akers, in his Auction Analysis of 1975 suggested, "Scarce as a date... Most specimens I have seen were very bluntly struck and have relatively little detail on the hair around Liberty's face or on the eagle's right leg and neck... grossly underpriced, particularly in choice condition." He gave the 1869-S quarter eagle an average grade of VF30 although the current graded population suggest a better average would be in the VF45-AU50 range.
As Garrett and Guth suggest in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "This date is another in a series of very low-production issues... The 1883 quarter eagle is a very rare coin in all grades... As usual for the low-mintage issues, most 1883 quarter eagles are seen with deeply reflective, prooflike surfaces." An interesting note regarding the 1883 is the die clash marks below the R in LIBERTY which end as a rectangular mark inside Liberty's ear (vertical shield lines [pale gules]). From what I have been able to discern, Proof coins do not have this die clash while business strikes do. This may be a diagnostic for proof versus business strikes, although it is an area of research that I have not yet been able to devote time to. Also the Y in LIBERTY appears to have been repunched low. The survival estimate listed on the PCGS website seems to be out of line with other coins in the series. With a graded population of 166 by PCGS and NGC (including resubmissions) the estimate of 250 total surviving appears inflated. Maybe a typo? 150 (R7.5) would seem to be a more realistic number especially with a total mintage of only 1920 business strikes.
As Garrett and Guth suggest in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "This date is another in a series of very low-production issues... The 1883 quarter eagle is a very rare coin in all grades... As usual for the low-mintage issues, most 1883 quarter eagles are seen with deeply reflective, prooflike surfaces." An interesting note regarding the 1883 is the die clash marks below the R in LIBERTY which end as a rectangular mark inside Liberty's ear (vertical shield lines [pale gules]). From what I have been able to discern, Proof coins do not have this die clash while business strikes do. This may be a diagnostic for proof versus business strikes, although it is an area of research that I have not yet been able to devote time to. Also the Y in LIBERTY appears to have been repunched low. The survival estimate listed on the PCGS website seems to be out of line with other coins in the series. With a graded population of 166 by PCGS and NGC (including resubmissions) the estimate of 250 total surviving appears inflated. Maybe a typo? 150 (R7.5) would seem to be a more realistic number especially with a total mintage of only 1920 business strikes.
As Garrett and Guth suggest in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933", "This date is another in a series of very low-production issues... The 1883 quarter eagle is a very rare coin in all grades... As usual for the low-mintage issues, most 1883 quarter eagles are seen with deeply reflective, prooflike surfaces." An interesting note regarding the 1883 is the die clash marks below the R in LIBERTY which end as a rectangular mark inside Liberty's ear (vertical shield lines [pale gules]). From what I have been able to discern, Proof coins do not have this die clash while business strikes do. This may be a diagnostic for proof versus business strikes, although it is an area of research that I have not yet been able to devote time to. Also the Y in LIBERTY appears to have been repunched low. The survival estimate listed on the PCGS website seems to be out of line with other coins in the series. With a graded population of 166 by PCGS and NGC (including resubmissions) the estimate of 250 total surviving appears inflated. Maybe a typo? 150 (R7.5) would seem to be a more realistic number especially with a total mintage of only 1920 business strikes.
All 1891 business strike coins that I have seen show doubling of the reverse even though many holder titles do not indicate it. This is especially true of the right side legend (OF AMERICA), the denomination D including the period and dot, the eagle's right wing, and the arrows heads. Early strikes tend to show doubling of the top arrow shaft, fraction bar and denominator 2 as well. Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1891 quarter eagle is a scarce, low-mintage date. In grades up to gem Uncirculated, the 1891 commands little or no premium over more common dates. This is difficult to understand, as the 1891 quarter eagle is many times rarer than any of the later-date issues. Gem examples are very rare, with just a few graded at that level."
All 1891 business strike coins that I have seen show doubling of the reverse even though many holder titles do not indicate it. This is especially true of the right side legend (OF AMERICA), the denomination D including the period and dot, the eagle's right wing, and the arrows heads. Early strikes tend to show doubling of the top arrow shaft, fraction bar and denominator 2 as well. Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1891 quarter eagle is a scarce, low-mintage date. In grades up to gem Uncirculated, the 1891 commands little or no premium over more common dates. This is difficult to understand, as the 1891 quarter eagle is many times rarer than any of the later-date issues. Gem examples are very rare, with just a few graded at that level."
All 1891 business strike coins that I have seen show doubling of the reverse even though many holder titles do not indicate it. This is especially true of the right side legend (OF AMERICA), the denomination D including the period and dot, the eagle's right wing, and the arrows heads. Early strikes tend to show doubling of the top arrow shaft, fraction bar and denominator 2 as well. Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1891 quarter eagle is a scarce, low-mintage date. In grades up to gem Uncirculated, the 1891 commands little or no premium over more common dates. This is difficult to understand, as the 1891 quarter eagle is many times rarer than any of the later-date issues. Gem examples are very rare, with just a few graded at that level."
First obtainable San Fransisco half eagle. Diagnostic (die chip?) at star 13 dentils is common to all 1855-S half eagles I've seen. Walter Breen in his monographs and encyclopedia suggests that multiple obverses exist with dates high or very high, however I haven't seen his " date placed very high, with tops of 5's weak, and 1 almost touching bust..." variety. The mint mark is located between the VE in FIVE although there appears to be slight differences in tilt and again from what I've seen this tilt difference is miniscule at most. Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" state, "The moderately high mintage of 61,000 coins fails to truly convey the rarity of the 1855-S half eagle. This issue saw extensive commercial usage and most of the surviving coins are heavily circulated or damaged."
First obtainable San Fransisco half eagle. Diagnostic (die chip?) at star 13 dentils is common to all 1855-S half eagles I've seen. Walter Breen in his monographs and encyclopedia suggests that multiple obverses exist with dates high or very high, however I haven't seen his " date placed very high, with tops of 5's weak, and 1 almost touching bust..." variety. The mint mark is located between the VE in FIVE although there appears to be slight differences in tilt and again from what I've seen this tilt difference is miniscule at most. Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" state, "The moderately high mintage of 61,000 coins fails to truly convey the rarity of the 1855-S half eagle. This issue saw extensive commercial usage and most of the surviving coins are heavily circulated or damaged."
First obtainable San Fransisco half eagle. Diagnostic (die chip?) at star 13 dentils is common to all 1855-S half eagles I've seen. Walter Breen in his monographs and encyclopedia suggests that multiple obverses exist with dates high or very high, however I haven't seen his " date placed very high, with tops of 5's weak, and 1 almost touching bust..." variety. The mint mark is located between the VE in FIVE although there appears to be slight differences in tilt and again from what I've seen this tilt difference is miniscule at most. Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" state, "The moderately high mintage of 61,000 coins fails to truly convey the rarity of the 1855-S half eagle. This issue saw extensive commercial usage and most of the surviving coins are heavily circulated or damaged."
First obtainable San Fransisco half eagle. Diagnostic (die chip?) at star 13 dentils is common to all 1855-S half eagles I've seen. Walter Breen in his monographs and encyclopedia suggests that multiple obverses exist with dates high or very high, however I haven't seen his " date placed very high, with tops of 5's weak, and 1 almost touching bust..." variety. The mint mark is located between the VE in FIVE although there appears to be slight differences in tilt and again from what I've seen this tilt difference is miniscule at most. Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" state, "The moderately high mintage of 61,000 coins fails to truly convey the rarity of the 1855-S half eagle. This issue saw extensive commercial usage and most of the surviving coins are heavily circulated or damaged."
First obtainable San Fransisco half eagle. Diagnostic (die chip?) at star 13 dentils is common to all 1855-S half eagles I've seen. Walter Breen in his monographs and encyclopedia suggests that multiple obverses exist with dates high or very high, however I haven't seen his " date placed very high, with tops of 5's weak, and 1 almost touching bust..." variety. The mint mark is located between the VE in FIVE although there appears to be slight differences in tilt and again from what I've seen this tilt difference is miniscule at most. Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" state, "The moderately high mintage of 61,000 coins fails to truly convey the rarity of the 1855-S half eagle. This issue saw extensive commercial usage and most of the surviving coins are heavily circulated or damaged."
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The mintage of 98,188 examples for the 1857 half eagle is on the low side for the Philadelphia Mint issues of the era. This issue is scarce in any grade and very rare in full Mint State." David Akers Auction Analysis "Volume IV, Half Eagles 1795-1929" comments, "The 1857 is a very scarce coin in any condition and it is less often seen than some of the more popular mint marked coins of the 1840' and 1850's." His average grade for the 1857 half eagle is EF-42.
Variety 1 (1-A) per Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins Of The New Orleans Mint". Rarity 16th of 21. Obverse; upper loop of a misplaced 8 is visible in the dentils below the primary 8 Reverse; the mint mark is lightly recut on the inside left.
Variety 1 (1-A) per Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins Of The New Orleans Mint". Rarity 16th of 21. Obverse; upper loop of a misplaced 8 is visible in the dentils below the primary 8 Reverse; the mint mark is lightly recut on the inside left.
Variety 1 (1-A) per Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins Of The New Orleans Mint". Rarity 16th of 21. Obverse; upper loop of a misplaced 8 is visible in the dentils below the primary 8 Reverse; the mint mark is lightly recut on the inside left.
Variety 1 (1-A) per Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins Of The New Orleans Mint". Rarity 16th of 21. Obverse; upper loop of a misplaced 8 is visible in the dentils below the primary 8 Reverse; the mint mark is lightly recut on the inside left.
Per David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (1980), This date is just one of the many grossly underrated dates in the Liberty Head Eagle series. It is very rare and difficult to obtain in any condition and, when located, VF or EF is about all one can expect." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" (2008) maintains, "The 1845 eagle is a great, low-mintage date whose rarity has withstood the test of time. Certainly, it is not as rare as the 1844, but it compares favorably with the 1846 and 1849-O. The vast majority of 1845 eagles are in circulated condition, mostly EF or worse, rarely in AU, and almost never in Mint State." Q. David Bowers' "Official Red Book - A Guide To Gold Eagle Coins" (2017) states, "As is true of all other eagles of this era, VF and EF are par for grades usually seen, with VF predominating."
Per David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (1980), This date is just one of the many grossly underrated dates in the Liberty Head Eagle series. It is very rare and difficult to obtain in any condition and, when located, VF or EF is about all one can expect." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" (2008) maintains, "The 1845 eagle is a great, low-mintage date whose rarity has withstood the test of time. Certainly, it is not as rare as the 1844, but it compares favorably with the 1846 and 1849-O. The vast majority of 1845 eagles are in circulated condition, mostly EF or worse, rarely in AU, and almost never in Mint State." Q. David Bowers' "Official Red Book - A Guide To Gold Eagle Coins" (2017) states, "As is true of all other eagles of this era, VF and EF are par for grades usually seen, with VF predominating."
Per David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (1980), This date is just one of the many grossly underrated dates in the Liberty Head Eagle series. It is very rare and difficult to obtain in any condition and, when located, VF or EF is about all one can expect." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" (2008) maintains, "The 1845 eagle is a great, low-mintage date whose rarity has withstood the test of time. Certainly, it is not as rare as the 1844, but it compares favorably with the 1846 and 1849-O. The vast majority of 1845 eagles are in circulated condition, mostly EF or worse, rarely in AU, and almost never in Mint State." Q. David Bowers' "Official Red Book - A Guide To Gold Eagle Coins" (2017) states, "As is true of all other eagles of this era, VF and EF are par for grades usually seen, with VF predominating."
Per David Akers' "United States Gold Coins - An Analysis Of Auction Records - Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (1980), This date is just one of the many grossly underrated dates in the Liberty Head Eagle series. It is very rare and difficult to obtain in any condition and, when located, VF or EF is about all one can expect." Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" (2008) maintains, "The 1845 eagle is a great, low-mintage date whose rarity has withstood the test of time. Certainly, it is not as rare as the 1844, but it compares favorably with the 1846 and 1849-O. The vast majority of 1845 eagles are in circulated condition, mostly EF or worse, rarely in AU, and almost never in Mint State." Q. David Bowers' "Official Red Book - A Guide To Gold Eagle Coins" (2017) states, "As is true of all other eagles of this era, VF and EF are par for grades usually seen, with VF predominating."
OGH. I have identified 3 Obverses associated with the 1846 Philadelphia Eagle. The first has a heavy date and thick serifs with a die scratch between the upper lobe of the 6 and the lower loop as shown above and also shown on PCGS's S/N 30131711 (MS62+). The second also has a heavy date and thick serifs but without the die scratch at the lobe and with a more pronounced scallop on the lower loop near the lobe (30752335 AU58 - Heritage Auction 12/4/2014). And the third has a lighter date with thin serifs placed further left than the heavy dates, with die file marks at the dentils below the date and a small file mark at the hair at the back of Liberty's neck as shown on PCGS's S/N 40656532 MS60. Minor differences exist on the reverses also (Horizontal and vertical shield lines differences) Q. David Bowers references notes from Harry W. Bass Jr. and refers to large and small date versions of the 1846 eagle, however, I have not been able to find evidence (Photos) of such. Pedigree - Steve Studer Collection (2021)
OGH. I have identified 3 Obverses associated with the 1846 Philadelphia Eagle. The first has a heavy date and thick serifs with a die scratch between the upper lobe of the 6 and the lower loop as shown above and also shown on PCGS's S/N 30131711 (MS62+). The second also has a heavy date and thick serifs but without the die scratch at the lobe and with a more pronounced scallop on the lower loop near the lobe (30752335 AU58 - Heritage Auction 12/4/2014). And the third has a lighter date with thin serifs placed further left than the heavy dates, with die file marks at the dentils below the date and a small file mark at the hair at the back of Liberty's neck as shown on PCGS's S/N 40656532 MS60. Minor differences exist on the reverses also (Horizontal and vertical shield lines differences) Q. David Bowers references notes from Harry W. Bass Jr. and refers to large and small date versions of the 1846 eagle, however, I have not been able to find evidence (Photos) of such. Pedigree - Steve Studer Collection (2021)
OGH. I have identified 3 Obverses associated with the 1846 Philadelphia Eagle. The first has a heavy date and thick serifs with a die scratch between the upper lobe of the 6 and the lower loop as shown above and also shown on PCGS's S/N 30131711 (MS62+). The second also has a heavy date and thick serifs but without the die scratch at the lobe and with a more pronounced scallop on the lower loop near the lobe (30752335 AU58 - Heritage Auction 12/4/2014). And the third has a lighter date with thin serifs placed further left than the heavy dates, with die file marks at the dentils below the date and a small file mark at the hair at the back of Liberty's neck as shown on PCGS's S/N 40656532 MS60. Minor differences exist on the reverses also (Horizontal and vertical shield lines differences) Q. David Bowers references notes from Harry W. Bass Jr. and refers to large and small date versions of the 1846 eagle, however, I have not been able to find evidence (Photos) of such. Pedigree - Steve Studer Collection (2021)
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" states, "The 1851 eagle might appear to be a common coin at first glance, but it is much scarcer than the mintage indicates. It is comparable in rarity to the 1848 and 1854, but much scarcer than the 1841, 1844-O, 1847, 1847-O, 1849, 1851-O and 1852 (to name a few). Circulated examples are available up through AU50, after which the rarity increases dramatically." Q. David Bowers' "Red Book" for gold eagles suggests that between 1200 and 1500 1851 eagles exist, however this seems like an inflated number or a typo (200-500 seems to be a more accurate number). To date only 550 1851 eagles have been graded by PCGS (215) and NGC (335) and that number includes resubmissions. The PCGS CoinFacts suggests a total population of only 225 exist in all grades and Garrett and Guth list a "graded" population figure of 393 (2008). David Akers auction analysis states, "This date is rare and underrated in all grades"
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" states, "The 1851 eagle might appear to be a common coin at first glance, but it is much scarcer than the mintage indicates. It is comparable in rarity to the 1848 and 1854, but much scarcer than the 1841, 1844-O, 1847, 1847-O, 1849, 1851-O and 1852 (to name a few). Circulated examples are available up through AU50, after which the rarity increases dramatically." Q. David Bowers' "Red Book" for gold eagles suggests that between 1200 and 1500 1851 eagles exist, however this seems like an inflated number or a typo (200-500 seems to be a more accurate number). To date only 550 1851 eagles have been graded by PCGS (215) and NGC (335) and that number includes resubmissions. The PCGS CoinFacts suggests a total population of only 225 exist in all grades and Garrett and Guth list a "graded" population figure of 393 (2008). David Akers auction analysis states, "This date is rare and underrated in all grades"
Garrett and Guth in their "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins" states, "The 1851 eagle might appear to be a common coin at first glance, but it is much scarcer than the mintage indicates. It is comparable in rarity to the 1848 and 1854, but much scarcer than the 1841, 1844-O, 1847, 1847-O, 1849, 1851-O and 1852 (to name a few). Circulated examples are available up through AU50, after which the rarity increases dramatically." Q. David Bowers' "Red Book" for gold eagles suggests that between 1200 and 1500 1851 eagles exist, however this seems like an inflated number or a typo (200-500 seems to be a more accurate number). To date only 550 1851 eagles have been graded by PCGS (215) and NGC (335) and that number includes resubmissions. The PCGS CoinFacts suggests a total population of only 225 exist in all grades and Garrett and Guth list a "graded" population figure of 393 (2008). David Akers auction analysis states, "This date is rare and underrated in all grades"
Normal Date. Although the inverted date coin gets most of the attention, the normal date is the rarer of the two. What appears to be a scratch on the reverse running from the T in TEN, thru the mint mark, to the end of the olive branch and ending at the corner of the lowest arrow head, is in fact a die clash. This can be readily seen on the three AU50 examples shown on PCGS's website. The 5 in the date is noticeably doubled, especially evident at the 5's flag. This coin is significantly under-graded (1-2 steps in my opinion). The coin has significant luster remaining in the protected areas of the legend, around the devices, date and stars. This is in sharp contrast to the given grade. ANA grading standards describe the "EF-40 Surface: Traces of mint luster will show.", while the VF30 does not mention mint luster at all. PCGS's own grading standards describe the XF40 as "All design elements still show, but high points worn flat. Little to no luster remains." The weakness seen on the stars and eagle's neck is explained in Douglas Winter's PCGS write-up, "The quality of the strike is very distinctive with soft radial lines in the stars and a slightly concave appearance on the obverse. The reverse is better struck although many examples show weakness on the neck feathers. I have never seen an 1865-S Normal Date eagle that did not have heavily abraded surfaces and most have enough wear to lack any significant luster." This coin also compares favorably to PCGS's Photograde page for $10 Gold Eagles, VF30 and VF35 (exclusive of the weak eagle neck described above). The observation by Mr. Akers regarding rarity is confirmed when looking at recent auction records from three well known auction houses dating back to 2010. 21 normal date coins have appeared at auction versus 43 inverted date coins over that almost 11 year period. Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" describes the 1865-S as ""Type 1" rev. Large S. Doubled rev. Very rare." "Doubling plainest at TEN, United, adjacent wing tips, leaves, feathers." This doubling is very minute needing relatively high magnification to see.
Normal Date. Although the inverted date coin gets most of the attention, the normal date is the rarer of the two. What appears to be a scratch on the reverse running from the T in TEN, thru the mint mark, to the end of the olive branch and ending at the corner of the lowest arrow head, is in fact a die clash. This can be readily seen on the three AU50 examples shown on PCGS's website. The 5 in the date is noticeably doubled, especially evident at the 5's flag. This coin is significantly under-graded (1-2 steps in my opinion). The coin has significant luster remaining in the protected areas of the legend, around the devices, date and stars. This is in sharp contrast to the given grade. ANA grading standards describe the "EF-40 Surface: Traces of mint luster will show.", while the VF30 does not mention mint luster at all. PCGS's own grading standards describe the XF40 as "All design elements still show, but high points worn flat. Little to no luster remains." The weakness seen on the stars and eagle's neck is explained in Douglas Winter's PCGS write-up, "The quality of the strike is very distinctive with soft radial lines in the stars and a slightly concave appearance on the obverse. The reverse is better struck although many examples show weakness on the neck feathers. I have never seen an 1865-S Normal Date eagle that did not have heavily abraded surfaces and most have enough wear to lack any significant luster." This coin also compares favorably to PCGS's Photograde page for $10 Gold Eagles, VF30 and VF35 (exclusive of the weak eagle neck described above). The observation by Mr. Akers regarding rarity is confirmed when looking at recent auction records from three well known auction houses dating back to 2010. 21 normal date coins have appeared at auction versus 43 inverted date coins over that almost 11 year period. Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" describes the 1865-S as ""Type 1" rev. Large S. Doubled rev. Very rare." "Doubling plainest at TEN, United, adjacent wing tips, leaves, feathers." This doubling is very minute needing relatively high magnification to see.
Normal Date. Although the inverted date coin gets most of the attention, the normal date is the rarer of the two. What appears to be a scratch on the reverse running from the T in TEN, thru the mint mark, to the end of the olive branch and ending at the corner of the lowest arrow head, is in fact a die clash. This can be readily seen on the three AU50 examples shown on PCGS's website. The 5 in the date is noticeably doubled, especially evident at the 5's flag. This coin is significantly under-graded (1-2 steps in my opinion). The coin has significant luster remaining in the protected areas of the legend, around the devices, date and stars. This is in sharp contrast to the given grade. ANA grading standards describe the "EF-40 Surface: Traces of mint luster will show.", while the VF30 does not mention mint luster at all. PCGS's own grading standards describe the XF40 as "All design elements still show, but high points worn flat. Little to no luster remains." The weakness seen on the stars and eagle's neck is explained in Douglas Winter's PCGS write-up, "The quality of the strike is very distinctive with soft radial lines in the stars and a slightly concave appearance on the obverse. The reverse is better struck although many examples show weakness on the neck feathers. I have never seen an 1865-S Normal Date eagle that did not have heavily abraded surfaces and most have enough wear to lack any significant luster." This coin also compares favorably to PCGS's Photograde page for $10 Gold Eagles, VF30 and VF35 (exclusive of the weak eagle neck described above). The observation by Mr. Akers regarding rarity is confirmed when looking at recent auction records from three well known auction houses dating back to 2010. 21 normal date coins have appeared at auction versus 43 inverted date coins over that almost 11 year period. Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" describes the 1865-S as ""Type 1" rev. Large S. Doubled rev. Very rare." "Doubling plainest at TEN, United, adjacent wing tips, leaves, feathers." This doubling is very minute needing relatively high magnification to see.
Normal Date. Although the inverted date coin gets most of the attention, the normal date is the rarer of the two. What appears to be a scratch on the reverse running from the T in TEN, thru the mint mark, to the end of the olive branch and ending at the corner of the lowest arrow head, is in fact a die clash. This can be readily seen on the three AU50 examples shown on PCGS's website. The 5 in the date is noticeably doubled, especially evident at the 5's flag. This coin is significantly under-graded (1-2 steps in my opinion). The coin has significant luster remaining in the protected areas of the legend, around the devices, date and stars. This is in sharp contrast to the given grade. ANA grading standards describe the "EF-40 Surface: Traces of mint luster will show.", while the VF30 does not mention mint luster at all. PCGS's own grading standards describe the XF40 as "All design elements still show, but high points worn flat. Little to no luster remains." The weakness seen on the stars and eagle's neck is explained in Douglas Winter's PCGS write-up, "The quality of the strike is very distinctive with soft radial lines in the stars and a slightly concave appearance on the obverse. The reverse is better struck although many examples show weakness on the neck feathers. I have never seen an 1865-S Normal Date eagle that did not have heavily abraded surfaces and most have enough wear to lack any significant luster." This coin also compares favorably to PCGS's Photograde page for $10 Gold Eagles, VF30 and VF35 (exclusive of the weak eagle neck described above). The observation by Mr. Akers regarding rarity is confirmed when looking at recent auction records from three well known auction houses dating back to 2010. 21 normal date coins have appeared at auction versus 43 inverted date coins over that almost 11 year period. Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. And Colonial Coins" describes the 1865-S as ""Type 1" rev. Large S. Doubled rev. Very rare." "Doubling plainest at TEN, United, adjacent wing tips, leaves, feathers." This doubling is very minute needing relatively high magnification to see.
Only 16 graded higher by PCGS/NGC (including resubmissions) "...Mint State examples are obtainable but they remain scarce. Above MS61, this date becomes very rare and tops out at the MS65 level." per Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933". Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. and Colonial Coins" considers the 1874 Gold Eagle as "Rare... Ex. rare above EF." Q. David Bowers' more recent (2017) Red Book "A Guide Book Of Gold Eagle Coins" echoes the rarity of Mint State 1874 Eagles above MS62, showing "Submissions certified at highest grades (as of March 2017)" by PCGS and NGC at 14 total.
Only 16 graded higher by PCGS/NGC (including resubmissions) "...Mint State examples are obtainable but they remain scarce. Above MS61, this date becomes very rare and tops out at the MS65 level." per Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933". Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. and Colonial Coins" considers the 1874 Gold Eagle as "Rare... Ex. rare above EF." Q. David Bowers' more recent (2017) Red Book "A Guide Book Of Gold Eagle Coins" echoes the rarity of Mint State 1874 Eagles above MS62, showing "Submissions certified at highest grades (as of March 2017)" by PCGS and NGC at 14 total.
Only 16 graded higher by PCGS/NGC (including resubmissions) "...Mint State examples are obtainable but they remain scarce. Above MS61, this date becomes very rare and tops out at the MS65 level." per Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia Of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933". Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia Of U.S. and Colonial Coins" considers the 1874 Gold Eagle as "Rare... Ex. rare above EF." Q. David Bowers' more recent (2017) Red Book "A Guide Book Of Gold Eagle Coins" echoes the rarity of Mint State 1874 Eagles above MS62, showing "Submissions certified at highest grades (as of March 2017)" by PCGS and NGC at 14 total.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Garrett and Guth's "Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins 1795-1933" states, "The 1876-S eagle is difficult to obtain in any grade and is an extremely popular date because of the low mintage (tied for second lowest at the San Francisco Mint). Most of the certified examples fall into the Extremely Fine and About Uncirculated categories, with none graded at the Mint State level." Walter Breen's "Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" identifies the 1876-S eagle as "Very Rare". His book was published in 1987, probably before some repatriations which may have increased the known examples. Likewise, David Aker's Auction Analysis "Volume V - Eagles 1795-1933" (published in 1980) comments, "The mintage of the 1876-S is the second lowest from the San Francisco Mint (tied with the 1860-S) and so it comes as no surprise that this date is very rare in any condition... In terms of condition rarity, the 1876-S is near the top of the series, ranking in the top 10% of all $10 issues. The typical grade for this very rare date is VF and there are more that grade below VF than above it." His Average Grade at the time was VF24.
Only 2 graded higher by PCGS, NGC and ANACS; (1) PCGS MS64+, (1) NGC MS65
Only 2 graded higher by PCGS, NGC and ANACS; (1) PCGS MS64+, (1) NGC MS65
Double Die Reverse - seen clearly in IN GOD WE TRUST. The G is actually tripled right and left of the final position. The same reverse die was used for the 1872 Liberty Seated Dollar proof coins.
Double Die Reverse - seen clearly in IN GOD WE TRUST. The G is actually tripled right and left of the final position. The same reverse die was used for the 1872 Liberty Seated Dollar proof coins.
Double Die Reverse - seen clearly in IN GOD WE TRUST. The G is actually tripled right and left of the final position. The same reverse die was used for the 1872 Liberty Seated Dollar proof coins.
Double Die Reverse - seen clearly in IN GOD WE TRUST. The G is actually tripled right and left of the final position. The same reverse die was used for the 1872 Liberty Seated Dollar proof coins.
NGC S/N 6602222-007 Q. David Bowers notes in his Red Book of "Double Eagle Gold Coins", "In circulated grades from VF to EF the 1858 is scarce..." Douglas Winter's monograph regarding the "Type One Liberty Head Double Eagles" comments, "The 1858 has the second lowest mintage of any Philadelphia double eagle produced during the 1850's." David Akers Auction Analysis "Volume VI Double Eagles 1849-1933" comments, "The 1858 is very scarce and desirable in all grades. In terms of overall rarity it is roughly comparable to the 1855, 1856, 1857, 1863 and 1864 among Type-1 P-Mint issues."
NGC S/N 6602222-007 Q. David Bowers notes in his Red Book of "Double Eagle Gold Coins", "In circulated grades from VF to EF the 1858 is scarce..." Douglas Winter's monograph regarding the "Type One Liberty Head Double Eagles" comments, "The 1858 has the second lowest mintage of any Philadelphia double eagle produced during the 1850's." David Akers Auction Analysis "Volume VI Double Eagles 1849-1933" comments, "The 1858 is very scarce and desirable in all grades. In terms of overall rarity it is roughly comparable to the 1855, 1856, 1857, 1863 and 1864 among Type-1 P-Mint issues."
NGC 5895176-001. Evenly worn without significant "chatter" or bag marks and no heavy contact marks.
NGC 5895176-001. Evenly worn without significant "chatter" or bag marks and no heavy contact marks.
NGC 4686876-001. Per Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint" overall rarity is 14th of 19 and the condition rarity is 12th of 19. I have not been able to identify the obverse variety of this coin. The reverse appears to be a reverse A with the second C over the left edge of the D. Very good eye appeal with luster remaining in protected areas.
NGC 4686876-001. Per Douglas Winter's "Gold Coins of the Carson City Mint" overall rarity is 14th of 19 and the condition rarity is 12th of 19. I have not been able to identify the obverse variety of this coin. The reverse appears to be a reverse A with the second C over the left edge of the D. Very good eye appeal with luster remaining in protected areas.