RARE AND IMPORTANT MS63 SS CENTRAL AMERICA 1856-S QUARTER EAGLE

A total of 35 quarter eagles of various dates were found in the SSCA shipwreck. Only nine were from the San Francisco mint of which eight were dated 1856-S. The finest of these was a magnificent MS67 which recently sold for $85,188.

The 1856-S is the first collectible quarter eagle from this mint. There are an estimated 15 or so known in Uncirculated with most in the MS60 to MS62 range. Specimens graded MS63 are rare and only four auction records exist in this grade since 1992.

The present example seems undergraded by today’s standards and it would likely grade MS64 if resubmitted. It is well struck and fully lustrous with choice surfaces and wonderful color, especially on the reverse.

PCGS shows a population of three MS63’s for the date with seven finer while CAC has approved two in MS63 and two finer. A non-shipwreck PCGS/CAC MS53 sold for $11,574 as Heritage 8/12: 4483.

This important coin has been off the market since 2000 and it would make a terrific addition to an advanced set of SSCA gold pieces.