1855-C $2.50 NGC AU55+

The 1855-C is among the rarest Charlotte quarter eagles from the standpoint of number known. It used to be one of the two or three rarest in high grades but enough have turned up in AU55 to MS62 in recent years that this date now trails issues such as the 1841-C, 1842-C and 1849-C. Nonetheless, an accurately graded Choice AU example is scarce and this lustrous slider is very close to being "new." I'm not sure why NGC didn't grade it a full AU58 (this is what I expected when I submitted it) as it certainly has the luster and body of many of the 1855-C quarter eagles that I have seen in AU58 holders. Some slight weakness of strike at the central reverse is typical for the issue and might be the cause of this conservative grade. This is the only AU55+ that NGC has graded for this date. A good value as an AU58 would cost close to five figures yet wouldn't be any nicer.