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"1844-D $2 1/2 MS63 NGC. Variety 5-I, be"

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
 1844-D $2 1/2 MS63 NGC. Variety 5-I, be
<B>1844-D<$2 1/2> MS63 NGC.</B></I> Variety 5-I. Reverse of 1844-45. Easily identifiable by the absence of feathers in the opening of the mintmark, as seen on the other variety of this year. The scarcer of the two varieties.<BR> This is among the more visually appealing quarter eagles in the Duke's Creek Collection. Some examples of this date are found with weak strikes. That is not the case on this coin, as it shows razor-sharp detail in the centers and around the borders. In fact, the hair detail above the ear and around the face of Liberty is almost complete, making this an unusual and desirable piece. The overall surfaces are exceptional as well, with the only describable mark being a tiny nick on the reverse above the upper arrowhead. The obverse is somewhat reflective in the center and it is framed by mint frost; the reverse has a more evenly frosted texture. Both sides have attractive golden centers that are contrasted by deeper khaki hues at the edges.<BR> The 1844-D is one of the three most common Dahlonega quarter eagles in higher grades. Of the 200+ pieces known, as many as a dozen Uncirculated pieces exist, and this includes at least four distinct pieces that have been graded MS63 by one (or in some cases both) of the major services. The all-time auction record for this date is held by the Pittman: 1748 coin that sold for a staggering $30,800 as a raw coin back in 1998.<BR> The Duke's Creek example is listed as the finest known 1844-D quarter eagle on the most recent Condition Census.<BR><I>Ex: Dr. Arthur Montgomery Collection; Hancock and Harwell; Auction '84 (Stack's session, 8/84), lot 1313, where it brought $4,400; Hancock and Harwell; Georgia Collection; Hancock and Harwell; Leon Farmer Collection; Hancock and Harwell. The plate coin in the first edition of Doug Winter's book</B></I> Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861.<BR><I>From The Duke's Creek Collection of Dahlonega Gold.</B></I>