EXTREMELY RARE UNCIRCULATED 1866-S; THE COIN FACTS PLATE EXAMPLE

All San Francisco gold coinage dated 1866 is very rare in Uncirculated (many denominations are unknown) and the quarter eagle is not exception. There are likely not more than four or five properly graded Uncirculated pieces known and the finest 1866-S quarter eagle is a single PCGS MS62 which sold for $16,450 as Heritage 1/14: 6460.

This is a properly graded example with good eye appeal for the date and grade. It shows warm rose hues at the centers and has an overall green-gold and orange coloration. There is some weakness of strike at the upper obverse and the corresponding reverse which is seen on most known 1866-S quarter eagles and the luster is frosty and full. A few small marks in the left obverse field preclude a higher grade but this piece is really choice for an MS61.

Including this piece, there are only five auction records for this date in MS61 since 1999.

An outstanding coin for the advanced SF gold collector.

This is the only 1866-S quarter eagle to have been approved by CAC in any Mint State grade.