The 1842-D is one of a trio of rare early dates in the Dahlonega quarter eagle series (along with the 1840-D and 1841-D) which are virtually unobtainable in grades above AU55. The 1842-D had a small original mintage of 4,643 and well under 100 are known today. I am aware of just three or four properly graded AU58′s along with one or two in Uncirculated.

This is a remarkable coin for the issue with nearly full luster and natural green-gold color which is accentuated with splashes of orange. There is just a slight amount of friction on the high spots but this is a high end “slider” which has been in an AU58 holder since it was last sold in 1999. A bit of planchet roughness can be seen on both sides (as made) but the quality of this piece is simply remarkable. I bought this coin in the Bass II sale (November 1999) and it has been in the same collection since then; a total of nearly 14 years!

The last PCGS AU58 1842-D quarter eagle to sell at auction was Bowers and Merena 3/09: 1471 which brought $23,000. There are four other records for PCGS AU58′s since the beginning of 2004 and these range from a low of $21,725 to a high of $25,300.

This coin is a great combination of grade rarity, pedigree and eye appeal and it will enhance even the finest collection of Dahlonega quarter eagles.

CAC has approved two in this grade with none finer.

Ex Bowers and Merena 11/99: 342, Bass collection (where it brought $18,400).