IMPORTANT CONDITION CENSUS NGC/CAC AU58+ 1849-C $2.50

Even advanced collectors are unaware of the true rarity of the 1849-C quarter eagle in AU55 and higher. You can toss current PCGS population figures in the trash as this issue is exceedingly rare in full Mint State (see below) and rare to very rare in properly. graded AU55 to AU58.

This coin is fully deserving of its ““plus” designation as it has completely natural greenish-gold color on both sides. It should be noted that 1849-C quarter eagles almost never have unfussed-with original surfaces and I can’t recall having seen anther circulated example with. the amount of natural color that this example sports.

This is the sole 58+ graded at either service. There are just two examples that I consider to be Uncirculated and these are as follows:

*NGC MS65: Kansas Collection, via Douglas Winter Numismatics, ex: Heritage 2012 FUN: 4757 ($69,000); Cherokee County Collection (Bowers and Merena 3/2010): 3609 at $103,500; Bowers and Merena 10/1999: 422 at $39,100 (as PCGS MS62), Harry Bass Collection; obtained as Stacks 5/1968: 712.

*PCGS MS62: Stacks Bowers 2015 ANA: 10204 ($15,275), ex Dingler Collection, David Akers’ Pittman II sale (5/1998): 1763.

With the NGC MS65 off the market for the foreseeable future and the Pittman coin lacking the eye appeal of its assigned grade, you can make a strong case for this AU58+ coin being the finest available 1849-C quarter eagle.

Expensive but worth it.

CAC has approved three in AU58 (including this one coin in 58+) with none finer.

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