Lot 1257
1842-D. NGC graded AU-58. Untoned. Only 4,643 struck. Barring the elusive 1840-D, the 1842-D is the rarest pre-1853 issue in the Dahlonega Mint Quarter Eagle series. Survivors of this 4,643-piece delivery number perhaps 75-85 coins if that many, the majority of which grade no finer than VF. Attractive Extremely Fine examples are becoming increasingly difficult to come by, and the issue is exceedingly rare in AU58, the quality offered here. Writing in 2003 (Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint), Doug Winter states that the '42-D is unknown in Mint State. As of November 2006, however, NGC reports four coins in MS-61 and a single piece in MS-62. A few of the former listings might well represent resubmissions rather than distinct examples.
One of the longest-lived of all U.S. coins series, the Liberty Quarter Eagle was produced in only one major type from 1840-1907. Whereas the Liberty Half Eagle, Eagle and Double Eagle were guaranteed at least one significant design change with the addition of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST in 1866, the Quarter Eagle was deemed too small to accommodate this wording. There is, however, an important hub change in this series, and this came in 1859 when Chief Engraver James Barton Longacre modified the reverse by reducing the size of the arrowheads, as well as increasing the space between them. While this Type 2 design made its debut on P-mint coins that year, the San Francisco Mint continued to use leftover reverse from the 1854-1857 era through 1876. Pop 8; 4 finer, 3 in 61, 1 in 62. (PCGS # 7725) .
Estimated Value $15,000 - 16,000.
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