ONE OF THE FINEST KNOWN 1850-D QUARTER EAGLES

Variety 13-N.

Of the 12,148 struck, an estimated 175-225 are known, mostly in the EF40 to AU53 range. In Uncirculated, the 1850-D quarter eagle is a very rare issue with just five or six known to me. The present example, which was off the market for years until its recent auction appearance (see below) is tied with two others at PCGS as the finest known.

This coin has a remarkably fresh appearance with rich caramel and greenish-gold color which is absolutely “right” for this date. It is among the best struck 1850-D quarter eagles I have seen and the frosty surfaces are very clean and wholesome save for a small mint-made planchet depression in the left obverse field in front of Liberty’s chin. This coin is really choice for the date and the grade with exceptional overall eye appeal.

The finest known 1850-D is ex Heritage 2011: 4637, where it brought a record-setting $27,600. I believe that this coin is the second finest and it is clearly finer than Heritage 4/14: 5694 which sold for $23,500. The Duke’s Creek example “only” graded NGC MS61 which is a strong indication of the rarity of this date in higher grades.

If you collect Dahlonega quarter eagles, you are well aware of the importance of this offering and this is the best 1850-D quarter eagle which I have ever offered for sale.

Ex Stacks Bowers 3/16: 13158 where it realized $18,800.