RARE AND IMPORTANT PCGS/CAC AU55 1842 QUARTER EAGLE

With the exception of the 1841, the 1842 is the rarest Philadelphia quarter eagle struck prior to 1863. There are an estimated 50-60 known with most in lower grades. I believe that there are not more than four properly graded pieces in the AU55 to AU58 range and this date is unique in Uncirculated (an MS62 which I sold back in 1999).

This very lustrous example has enough "meat" to suggest an AU58 grade but there are just a few too many small, shallow marks on the obverse to hold it back. Both sides show a warm yellow-gold glow with splashes of deeper russet and the strike is very sharp. This is an issue which almost never comes with good eye appeal and the present example is uncommonly attractive for the date and the grade.

No PCGS AU55 has sold at auction since Bowers and Merena 7/02: 708 which realized $9,775. I sold the only other PCGS/CAC AU55 on my site last month and it was the object of considerable attention.

This is an extremely important offering for the serious collector of Liberty Head quarter eagles.

CAC has approved 2 in this grade with none finer.