Lot 3707
1858-C $2.50 Liberty. PCGS graded MS-63. Well struck with nice gold toning. Only 9,056 minted. Pop 2; none finer at PCGS. A satiny matte-like specimen with resilient underlying luster and lovely toning highlights. From center to periphery, the coin is generally well struck with just a hint of soft design in the area around the shield. Sometimes collectors expect an early branch mint coin of the 1850s to be like clay in the palms of the press operators who manufacture such coins, turning out one perfect specimen after the next. But it was a difficult task to generate consistent quality in the atmosphere of a hardworking mint establishment. The main problem facing Charlotte (and also Dahlonega) was a shortage of talented labor that had to be drawn from the rural surroundings in which these mints were built. The mint's equipment was up to the task, don't think it wasn't. When these two branches were erected in 1835-38, they were equipped with all the latest equipment. But it takes more than machinery to tweak and fine tune a minting press. We should be thankful that a few really choice, frosty pieces like this 1858-C quarter eagle exist and can be acquired today (PCGS # 7787) .
Estimated Value $21,000 - 24,000.
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| Realized $25,200 |
