Lot 976
1854-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded MS-61. Untoned. Only 7,295 minted. A rip-roaring fresh yellow gold Mint State example. A decent strike, with some obverse and reverse weakness as usual, but overall quite respectable. This particular variety is usually seen in a much less satisfactory condition, as expressed by Douglas Winter, here quoted: "Weak strikes are the rule for this date. The obverse is often blurry on the hair around Liberty's ear. The reverse is always weaker than the obverse; the center and eagle's claws are invariably very weak# The quality of planchets used for this issue was quite poor; some survivors show extensive areas of mint-made porosity at the date and stars from 10:00 to 1:00. For some reason the luster of this date is very poor#" This cited, it is realized that the present coin, while it has some of the aforementioned weak features, is far above average.
All known 1854-C quarter eagles are from a single die pair, and were struck to the extent of 7,295 examples. The date logotype is high, with the peak of the 1 piercing the neck truncation. Some slight evidence of clashing is seen in front of Liberty's nose and neck. Those wishing further research notes concerning this series of C and D mint $2.50 gold pieces will want to pay a visit to the Harry Bass Foundation on their internet web browser. Pop 5; 6 in 62. (PCGS # 7770) .
Estimated Value $12,000 - 14,000.
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| Realized $14,950 |
