A scant 4,320 business strike 1869 quarter eagles were made. This date is rare in higher grades and I believe there are fewer than 10 known in Uncirculated with nearly all of these in the MS60 to MS62 range. This fresh-t0-the-market example is likely tied for the finest known and none have been graded higher by either PCGS or NGC.

This is a really high end coin with vivid frosty luster and rich natural rose and yellow-gold color. The surfaces show just a few small marks including a small nick on the truncation over the 8 in the date. This piece has never been dipped or “improved” and has terrific overall eye appeal; especially for a date that is typically seen with numerous marks and impaired luster.

There are only two auction records for MS63 examples of the 1869 quarter eagle. The most recent was Heritage 2/12: 4652, graded by NGC, which sold for $10,925 and was nowhere near as nice as the present coin. Back in 1997, a PCGS MS63 sold for $8,525.

I have handled nearly every known Uncirculated 1869 quarter eagle and this is the best I can recall. An impressive coin which would make an impressive addition to a world-class set.

CAC has approved two in this grade with none finer.