RARE CHOICE AU 1866 QUARTER EAGLE WITH CAC APPROVAL

While clearly not as rare as the 1863-1865 quarter eagles from Philadelphia, the overlooked 1866 is quite scarce in its own right. Only 3,080 were made for circulation and the number extent is likely in the 50-60 range. There are three or four known in Uncirculated and this includes a single PCGS MS65 which last sold in May 2007 for $40,250.

This is one of a very small number of circulated 1866 quarter eagles which have not been scrubbed and which are not "liney" as a result of mint-made die basining. The surfaces are very choice with nice natural russet and medium orange-gold color. Unlike many examples, this piece is well struck with much sharper central details than usual and with only minor weakness on the lower portion of the eagle. For the date and grade, the eye appeal is outstanding.

Three PCGS AU55 examples including this specific coin have sold at auction since 2010 and this is the only one which is approved by CAC; see below for the pedigree. A far inferior non-CAC PCGS AU55 realized $7,638 as Heritage 10/16: 5478.

Unless you are very patient and have a serious budget, you aren't likely to find a nicer business strike 1866 quarter eagle than this.

CAC has approved three in this grade with just one finer (MS65).

Ex Stacks Bowers 2015 ANA: 1198 where it sold reasonably at $7,051.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SCRATCHES WHICH APPEAR ON THE REVERSE ARE ON THE HOLDER AND NOT ON THE COIN.