7554

1842-D $2 1/2 AU58 PCGS. Variety 3-F. The 18 in th

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1842-D $2 1/2  AU58 PCGS. Variety 3-F. The 18 in th
<B>1842-D $2 1/2 AU58 PCGS.</B></I> Variety 3-F. The 18 in the date is lightly repunched at its base. The only known die pair for this issue. According to Winter, this is the fifth rarest Dahlonega quarter eagle in terms of overall rarity but it is actually tied with the 1855-D for honors as the second rarest in higher grades. We are not aware of a single unquestionably Uncirculated 1842-D quarter eagle, although many observers will feel that the present piece is very, very close to--if not fully--Mint State. In our opinion, it makes a very strong claim for being the finest known 1842-D quarter eagle. This is not generally a well struck issue but the present example is much sharper than usual. The obverse is quite well detailed with the hair showing good definition, even above the ear. The reverse is also sharp with little of the weakness that is commonly seen on the eagle's legs. There is an interesting mint-made depression on the cheek of Liberty that was probably the result of a foreign object adhering to the dies at the time of striking. This is seen on a small number of 1842-D quarter eagles and it is shallow enough on this coin to not be considered, in our opinion, a negative factor. The rest of the surfaces are very clean for the grade with an almost total absence of marks. It is unlikely that many other 1842-D quarter eagles have surfaces that compare to this lovely example. A good deal of frosty luster can be seen below the coloration. The luster appears slightly subdued, but this is mostly a result of the depth of the natural coloration. It is very unusual to find an 1842-D with this much luster as most are seen with heavy wear. Very attractive, deep yellow-gold and greenish-orange colors are located, in slightly different configurations, on the obverse and reverse. For those who understand this enigmatic issue, this 1842-D quarter eagle has exceptional eye appeal. It shows a good strike, very clean surfaces, lovely original color, and significant mint luster. The plate coin in the second edition of the Winter book on Dahlonega gold coinage, there listed in the Condition Census as the finest known. Lot:7554