The 1854-D is one of a number of truly rare quarter eagles from this mint. Only 1,760 were produced and it is likely that under 75 are known in all grades with most in the EF45 to AU55 range. Quality control for the 1854-D was very low, even by Dahlonega standards, and examples with good eye appeal are very rare.

This fresh-to-the-market piece is uncommonly well struck for the issue and it was made on a good quality planchet, lacking the often-seen laminations or areas of roughness. Both sides show a considerable amount of satiny mint bloom and are covered with very appealing natural green-gold color. What appear to be scratches below and to the left of the date are mint-made and are seen on all genuine 1854-D quarter eagles.

The last PCGS AU53 example to sell at auction was Heritage 5/07: 2234 (at $13,225). Heritage 3/14: 30265, graded AU55 by NGC and not approved by CAC (nor as choice as the present PCGS AU53) just sold for $15,275.

If you collect Dahlonega quarter eagles, you know what a difficult issue the 1854-D is.

CAC has approved just this one coin in AU53 with two finer (both AU58).