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1856-S $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. Quarter Eagle production commenced at the San Francisco Mint with a paltry.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:NA Estimated At:45.00 - 60.00 USD
1856-S $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. Quarter Eagle production commenced at the San Francisco Mint with a paltry.
1856-S $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. Quarter Eagle production commenced at the San Francisco Mint with a paltry delivery of 246 pieces in 1854. The rarity of the 1854-S and the lack of an 1855-S delivery combine to make the 1856-S the first collectible U.S. Quarter Eagle from the California branch mint. Although collectible, the '56-S is anything but common, and even the limited original mintage of 71,120 pieces does not begin to explain the rarity of this date. Judging by current NGC and PCGS population data, the vast majority of survivors are worn to one degree or another. The former grading service has not seen a single example above the MS64 level, while PCGS reports just three coins in MS65 with a lone MS67 (!) specimen finer (10/02). We have reason to suspect, however, that the PCGS listing of three coins in MS65 includes at least one resubmission. Even if it does not and all three entries represent distinct coins, there is no doubt that a Gem BU 1856-S Liberty Quarter Eagle is a rare coin that is the province of advanced gold specialists. Full mint luster shimmers over both sides with a mostly satiny sheen. The color is a rich, original, reddish-gold shade that highlights the uncommon lack of distracting abrasions. Pedigree concerns, nonetheless, do compel us to mention a graze in the right obverse field from star 13, and there is also a shallow planchet void (as struck) in the reverse field below the TA in STATES that should help trace future auction appearances of this coin. The otherwise sharp strike wanes a little over the eagle's right (facing) leg feathers--a not uncommon feature for the type. The S mintmark is positioned in the field between the lowermost arrow feather, the end of the olive branch, the fraction bar, and the D in the denomination.Ex: Altany Sale (Paramount, 2/1977), lot 592; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection (Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 486, where it realized $23,000. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.