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1839-D $2 1/2 MS61 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1839-D $2 1/2 MS61 PCGS.
1839-D $2 1/2 MS61 PCGS. Variety 1-B. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). Strong branch stem located entirely to the left of the D in the denomination. Early die state without the heavy cracks often seen on the reverse. One of approximately 5,500 pieces struck from this die pair and the scarcer of the two varieties of 1839-D quarter eagles that are known.RARITY INFORMATION: The 1839-D is extremely popular due to its dual status as the first quarter eagle from this mint as well as the only Classic Head issue. There are an estimated 150 to 175 examples known, and it is a bit more available in lower grades than generally realized. In Uncirculated grades, the 1839-D is very rare with seven to nine pieces accounted for. The finest is the James Stack coin which has been graded MS64 by PCGS. Two have been graded MS63 by PCGS.STRIKE: The 1839-D is generally a better struck coin than its quarter eagle counterpart from Charlotte. This piece is weakly defined in the centers while the borders are very sharp. The stars have nearly complete radial lines while the eagle's feathers are bold except for those on the neck. The lower reverse is uncommonly sharp for the issue with very strong talons, arrow feathers, and tail feathers.SURFACES: The obverse shows some light hairlines (not from cleaning), a few minor scrapes and a thin cigar-shaped mark opposite the second star. The reverse also has a few light scattered hairlines and marks. The surfaces are pleasing for the grade and strongly suggest an MS62 coin in terms of overall appearance.LUSTER: Warm, frosty luster is seen on both sides, and there is a slightly grainy texture, as seen on certain 1839-D quarter eagles. This luster is suggestive of an original, undisturbed coin and is well above average for the issue.COLORATION: Attractive, rich yellow-gold, green-gold, and medium orange hues can be seen on the obverse and reverse. It is extremely hard to locate 1839-D quarter eagles that have nice coloration, making this example a great choice for a high quality type set.EYE APPEAL: This is a lovely, Condition Census quality example of one of the more popular Dahlonega issues. The coin shows an acceptable strike and has surfaces that are well above average. The coloration and luster are excellent as well.COMPARABLES: In 1999, we sold a PCGS MS61 example as lot 6139 in the FUN Auction for $20,700. In our 1999 ANA Sale, a PCGS MS61 that was offered as lot 7636 brought $19,550.PEDIGREE: Obtained from Doug Winter in 2001; earlier from Spectrum East Numismatics (Paul Nugget). This piece is also the plate coin in the second edition of Doug Winter's book "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861," and is listed in the revised Condition Census. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.