Lot 2762
1839-C $2.50 Classic Head. NGC graded AU-55. A nice strike and a hint of light golden tone. Choice surfaces throughout and a handsome offering, one of a mere 18,140 pieces struck. Popular because it is an early Charlotte, North Carolina-issued gold coin with the mintmark featured prominently on the obverse, above the date. In the ensuing design (1840-1907 Coronet Head) the mintmark is placed on the reverse. Pop 37; 96 finer (PCGS # 7699) .
For some while, the present die variety was believed to be an 1839/8 overdate, probably because the recutting on the 9 in the date does not appear to match the overdigit. Once it was realized this "overdate" was seen on all three branch mint issues for the 1839, as well as on 1839 Philadelphia quarter eagles, numismatists concluded that a defective punch caused the appearance of an overdate. Although a different punch was used, a defective punch is also likely responsible for the 1839 Large Letters $10 eagle.
Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500.
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| Realized $6,670 |
