The 1852-C is among the scarcer quarter eagles from this mint, both in terms of overall and high grade rarity. There are an estimated 125-150 known with most in the VF-EF range. This date is scarce in the lower AU grades, very rare in properly graded AU58 and extremely rare in Uncirculated with an estimated five or six known.

The virtually “new” example shows no real wear but has enough friction on the high spots and scuffs in the fields to properly graded AU58. It is better struck than normal although it does have some slight weakness at the centers. The light yellow-gold surfaces are very lustrous and the overall eye appeal is above average for the date and grade.

The last PCGS AU58 to sell at auction brought $6,463 as Heritage 2/14: 5306.

You can have no better pedigree for a U.S. gold coin than Eliasberg and the fact that this is an interesting and scarce date makes this a great choice for the advanced Charlotte gold collector.

Ex Scotsman 10/08: 799 ($8,050; as NGC AU58), Bowers and Ruddy 10/82: 161 ($1,045), Eliasberg collection.