Lot 3495
1848 $2.50 Liberty. CAL above eagle. NGC graded MS-62. One of the most important early quarter eagles of the Gold Rush, these were coined from a small amount of gold from the first shipment out of California. To mark the event, the California gold was designated for quarter eagles which were each stamped with the word "CAL." above the eagle's head on the reverse. Only 1,389 were coined, and most of those entered circulation. A few were saved in mint state, and we are proud to present one here. The surfaces show moderate handling marks, mostly in the fields, as expected for the grade. The fields are slightly prooflike, and the strike is especially sharp on the stars and curls on Liberty. NGC has graded 4 this high, with 9 graded higher of this early commemorative issue. Identifiable by a small nick at the top of the first star. Rich orange gold in color, and appealing in every way.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
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| Realized $34,500 |
