Lot 1193
1839-O $2.50 Classic Head. PCGS graded MS-63. A well struck frosty mint example in natural greenish color gold. An extremely significant coin in this grade, and certainly one of the very finest known of this date. Condition Census. Identifiable by a tiny v-shaped scuff in the frost of the cheek by the lips. A scant 17,781 quarter eagles of the Classic Head Type were coined in New Orleans during 1839, all bearing the obverse Mintmark above the date. This particular one was saved in very choice Mint State condition, and somehow came down through the decades and generations virtually undiminished from the day it was coined. Note the satiny luster on both sides, with splendid surfaces that show virtually no significant signs of handling. There is a die crack through the I of UNITED down through the upper disconnected leaf pair, and touching one claw point, then down to the rim through the first 2 in the denomination. Another crack up above joins the left wing, beak and right wing.
As to rarity, this one is tied for the finest graded with 6 others at PCGS (see below). An exceptional opportunity for the astute numismatist. Pop 6; 5 finer in 64 (PCGS # 7701) .
Note: Unless one has made a study of this Type, a casual collector of Classic Head 1834-1839 quarter eagles fails to take into account that these are laden with many numismatic treasures, the vast majority of which are unrecognized except by specialists, but which upon inspection will reward the owner with many hours of enjoyable study. The preceding listing has, to our knowledge, some of the most extensive die breaks seen on this date.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 27,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
