1497

"1842-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Variety 3-F, 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 MS62 NGC. Variety 3-F, th
<B>1842-D<$2 1/2> MS62 NGC.</B></I> Variety 3-F. The only variety known for the year. Repunched 18 in the date; somewhat later die state without repunching on the 4. The reverse shows a series of die file lines above AME in AMERICA.<BR> Only 4,643 pieces were struck, with fewer than 100 examples known today. This date is most often seen in the VF to XF grade range, and it is unlikely that more than a dozen or so exist in AU.<BR> The strike is far above average for the issue and may be considered among the best on any 1842-D. The obverse is almost completely struck up, with the exception of some localized weakness on the curl below the ear; the reverse has nearly full central details, which is very unusual for an issue that is generally seen with a sunken, incomplete appearance. The surfaces show a number of marks, including a deep cut on the chin of Liberty, a shallow planchet flaw between stars 11 and 12, a thin planchet flaw on the inside of the eagle's neck, and a depression on the cheek of Liberty that was caused by foreign matter that adhered to the die at the time of striking. The luster is decidedly above average for an issue that is generally seen dull and with minimal luster. Both the obverse and reverse are covered with light orange-gold color that shades to a warm medium orange on the reverse. This is an exceptional coin for the grade, with a wonderful appearance.<BR> In the most recent edition of <I>Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861,</B></I> the 1842-D is ranked as the second rarest quarter eagle, along with the 1856-D. However, with a number of newly certified, high graded coins that have since appeared, the 1842-D is not quite as rare as formerly thought. That said, the 1842-D is still a rare coin in higher grades, and the Duke's Creek example is one of just three pieces ever graded Uncirculated by a major service. It is the single finest graded by NGC, and it is clearly among the finest known examples of this very rare issue.<BR><I>Ex: B. Max Mehl (4/27/37), lot 145; Norweb Collection, Part II (Bowers and Merena, 3/88), lot 1974; Leon Farmer Collection; Hancock and Harwell.</B></I><BR><I>From The Duke's Creek Collection of Dahlonega Gold.</B></I>