Lot 3674
1840-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-62. Untoned and well struck. Semi-reflective surfaces. Only 12,822 struck. Pop 1; 3 in 63. Struck from a perfect reverse die without cracks, and extremely rare as such. This is one of two varieties for the year. It also happens to be the single most important Dahlonega quarter eagle of any date. What's more, it is one of the few truly Uncirculated 1840-D that we are aware of surpassed by only 3 others graded MS63 by NGC, and is by far the sharpest struck piece we are aware of. The devices are amazing for the date. Both the obverse and reverse show virtually full detail, with uncommonly crisp centers. The reverse shows no die crack, and this is one of only three or four perfect-die coins known. There is some minor roughness in the obverse field, as made, as well as a few ticks that are consistent with the assigned grade including one a fraction of an inch away from the top of the forehead. This coin is head and shoulders most any other 1840-D quarter eagle in terms of eye appeal with its splendid strike, so much so that it almost seems unfair to mention them in the same description. The luster is slightly subdued, with some natural greenish gold color; the obverse is just a bit reflective, while the reverse is frostier in its texture. The color is all natural, uncleaned, enticing. Such beauty in a coin may well fill the prospective bidders with a curious blend of emotions, mainly pleasant. Fate, in its capacity to surprise us, seems destined to assign the next owner the task of puffing out his chest and preening with deserved authority over the accomplishment of its purchase.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000.
Ex: Ashland City.
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| Realized $16,675 |
