1843-D Large D $2.50 NGC MS61+

Large D Mintmark. Variety 4-H. In October 1843, a total of 3,537 1843-D quarter eagles were produced using a Large Mintmark reverse that was also used again in 1844 and 1846. This variety is significant as it is clearly visible with the naked eye and it is recognized by PCGS. There are exactly two pieces known in Uncirculated: the current example (see below for a full pedigree) and the Bass II: 349 coin (once graded MS61 by PCGS and seemingly later upgraded to MS62 at NGC) that brought $10,350 back in October 1999 as an AU58. The present example is the finest known, in my opinion, with superb deep natural yellow-gold color on both sides. The strike is nearly totally full and the surfaces are very clean; a small spot betwen the final two stars on the obverse is mentioned for accuracy. As a date, the 1843-D is the most common quarter eagle from this mint but it is actually very rare in Uncirculated with fewer than ten properly graded pieces known. This would be one of the better examples of this date even if it weren't the rare Large D mintmark. An important coin for the advanced dahlonega specialist.

From the Duke's Creek collection and last sold by Heritage as Lot 1499 in their April 2006 where it brought $12,075 as an NGC MS61.