The 1856-C is one of the true “appearance rarities” in the Charlotte quarter eagle series. Virtually none of the pieces graded AU55 and higher are choice for the grade and this is due to the fact that this issue is not well made as much as the fact that many of the survivors have been repeatedly clean and abused.

This is an outstanding example for the date and grade with totally natural deep greenish-orange gold seen on both sides. There is really no wear to speak of and the quality of the planchet is far, far above average with fewer rough areas than normal. A “ridge-like” strip on the reverse from the top of the eagle’s head to between the second S in STATES and the O in OF is mint-made and diagnostic to the issue. The eye appeal is decidedly above average and this is the nicest circulated 1856-C quarter eagle that I have handled in many years.

No PCGS AU55′s have ever appeared at auction.

If you collect Charlotte quarter eagles and you wondered if you’d ever find a nice 1856-C, your search has ended!

CAC has graded just this one coin in AU55 with one finer (58). Only two have been approved for the entre date.