7585

1855-D $2 1/2 MS60 NGC. In 1855, the Dahlonega Min

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1855-D $2 1/2  MS60 NGC. In 1855, the Dahlonega Min
<B>1855-D $2 1/2 MS60 NGC.</B></I> In 1855, the Dahlonega Mint produced a very limited quantity of quarter eagles, just 1,123 coins in all. Just two gold issues of the Dahlonega Mint had lower mintages while a third, the 1861-D gold dollar with mintage unknown, was probably in the same general vicinity with 1,000 to 1,500 estimated. The 1856-D quarter eagle had a lower mintage of 874 coins, while the 1854-D three-dollar gold piece slipped just below this 1855 quarter eagle issue with a mintage of 1,120 examples. Among all Dahlonega Mint gold coins, this issue is near the top for rarity, and probably qualifies as the single rarest quarter eagle. Doug Winter has estimated the total population to be approximately 35 coins and notes that this date is nearly impossible to locate in grades above XF. Winter's Condition Census lists just a single Mint State coin residing in the Smithsonian Institution and not available to collectors today. This example is another, and it is possible that one or two additional pieces have been certified since his reference was published.<BR> This remarkable quarter eagle is quite sharply struck and is more finely detailed than most survivors. The eagle's left (facing) leg and right (facing) claw are poorly defined, however, all other design elements on both sides are quite sharp. The border details are fully visible and all stars have their central radial lines visible. The lustrous light yellow-gold surfaces have a few abrasions and other imperfections, including a couple small dark inclusions on the reverse, no doubt originating with the planchet prior to striking. One of these extends left in the field close to the eagle's beak into the wing, another extends up from the left N of UNITED into the rim above. All of these minor blemishes are expected for a coin at this grade level. This coin has light yellow gold color throughout. All in all, this is an exceptional example that will capture the specialist's attention. Lot:7585