Variety 7-L. Early Die State with obvious traces of an errant D mintmark punched far to the left.

This important variety is recognized by both PCGS and NGC and in higher grades, it is very rare. I know of one or two in Uncirculated and another two or three in AU58.  The likely finest known is the Bass II: 383 coin, now graded MS61 by PCGS, which is in a private collection. There are probably no more than a few dozen known total.

This choice, attractive example is notable as being one of the few known 1846-D/D quarter eagles with original color and surfaces. Both the obverse and reverse show deep green-gold color with a bit of contrast at the borders. The surfaces are undisturbed with the exception of a number of clash marks which are diagnostic to the rare early Die State of this variety. A few small marks on the face of Liberty serve as identification; some dirt is lodged within the letters on the reverse.

The last PCGS AU58 example of the 1846-D/D quarter eagle to sell at auction was ex Heritage 3/09: 2609 where it realized $6,613 as a CAC approved coin; earlier, before it was approved by CAC, it sold for $8,625 in Heritage’s 1/08 auction as Lot 3845. This coin has questionable coloration and is not nearly as nice as the present example, in my opinion.

This piece is the third finest 1846-D/D which I am aware of and it would make an impressive addition to an advanced collection of Dahlonega quarter eagles.