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1851-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. A carefully pre

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1851-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. A carefully pre
<B>1851-D<$2 1/2> MS65 NGC.</B></I> Variety 14-M. The only variety known of this year.<BR> As a testament to the Duke's Creek Collection, consider this fact: there are only two Dahlonega quarter eagles of any date that have ever been graded MS65 by one of the major services. Both of them are in this sale, and they are clearly the two finest Dahlonega quarter eagles known.<BR> The obverse on this piece is far better struck than on most 1851-D quarter eagles, while the reverse has some weakness on the eagle's left leg and right claw. The surfaces are extremely clean with no abrasions worthy of mention, and the luster is heavily frosted and superior than on any other example of this date we have seen. Perhaps the best feature, though, is the rich orange-gold color, with occasional steel-blue overtones over the highpoints. As one would expect from a Dahlonega quarter eagle accorded this mind-boggling grade, the eye appeal is spectacular, especially for an issue that is generally not usually seen with a good overall look.<BR> The 1851-D is the eighth rarest Dahlonega quarter eagle in high grades. There were 11,264 pieces struck, and an estimated 100-110 are known today. We are aware of exactly five Uncirculated coins, and the second finest is a PCGS MS62 in a Kansas collection that was once a duplicate in the Duke's Creek Collection.<BR> If one were forced to choose between the 1847-D and the 1851-D quarter eagles in this sale, the 1847-D has a more pleasing appearance. But the 1851-D is a far rarer coin, and this piece is far finer than any other piece from the 1850s. So, perhaps the best choice would be to buy them both!<BR><I>From The Duke's Creek Collection of Dahlonega Gold.</B></I>