1031

1853-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
1853-D $2 1/2 MS61 PCGS.
1853-D $2 1/2 MS61 PCGS. Variety 16-M. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). The only variety for this year. Reverse of 1850-1859.RARITY INFORMATION: The 1853-D is the eighth rarest of twenty Dahlonega quarter eagles. In high grades it is the ninth rarest. There were only 3,178 pieces struck, of which an estimated 85-95 coins are known today. Of these, around twenty grade AU while there are five or six known in Uncirculated. The finest we have seen is the PCGS MS61 in the Duke's Creek Collection. There are at least three others graded similarly by PCGS (the current population figure for MS61 coins is swelled by resubmissions) and there is a single MS62 at NGC.STRIKE: This issue is not generally very well struck. The Green Pond Collection example has a very good strike on the obverse with the curl above the ear showing good definition, full radial lines on some of the stars, and clearly separated denticles. The reverse is weak on the eagle's right leg and left claw. Some of the denticles are blurred, especially from 6 to 11 o'clock. This reverse weakness is seen on all 1853-D quarter eagles.SURFACES: There are a few fine hairlines (not from cleaning) in the left obverse field and a small mark opposite the northwest point of the final star. The reverse has no marks of note except for an very shallow scrape behind the eagle's head. A slight trace of haze can be seen on both sides. The diagnostic obverse die scratch from the inside of star 8 to Liberty's head is easily seen with light magnification.LUSTER: Much of the original mint luster is present, although it is slightly subdued by the coloration. It has a soft and frosty texture, as seen on the few 1853-D quarter eagles that exist in very high grades.COLORATION: Deep, slightly mottled orange-gold color rests on the obverse and the reverse.EYE APPEAL: There are only a small number of 1853-D quarter eagles that have good eye appeal. The current example is certainly among the nicer survivors with a good strike, very clean surfaces, and strong luster.COMPARABLES: In January 2003, we sold a PCGS MS61 in our Ashland City Collection Auction as lot 4699 where it realized $12,650. In May 1998, David Akers sold an example that was later encapsulated as NGC MS61 in the John Pittman Collection Auction, lot 1778, for $12,100. The highwater mark for this date is lot 7653 in our 1999 FUN sale where the North Georgia Collection specimen, then graded MS61 by PCGS, realized $36,800.PEDIGREE: Prior pedigree unknown. This is the plate coin in Doug Winter's "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861" and it is listed in the current Condition Census as tied with at least two other coins as the third finest known 1853-D quarter eagle. 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.