Lot 1809
1856-C $2.50 Liberty. NGC graded AU-55. Mostly untoned. Light yellow gold with tinges of orange. Somewhat irregular surfaces, as characteristic and as made. A tiny nick close to the tip of the left wing, and several equally minuscule marks below the hair bun on the obverse. Choice rims; much luster remains. Given the typical conditions found with Charlotte mint gold in the 1850s, this is decently struck for the issue.
In the context of 1856-C quarter eagles the present piece is remarkably fine. Douglas Winter's book, Charlotte Mint Gold Coins, reinforces by implication our sentiment: "The 1856-C has the dubious honor being among the most poorly struck of all Charlotte quarter eagles. The obverse is especially weak and, sometimes, the ERT in LIBERTY is almost illegible. Most specimens have mint-made depressions (caused by die rust) before the first and between the second and third stars. Another depression, above the eagle's head, is also commonly seen. Others are found struck on granular planchets. The 1856-C is, in high grades, rarer than the more celebrated 1855-C, despite popular belief to the contrary."
For the numismatist the present piece is quite exceptional. The word LIBERTY is fully and completely defined, and other aspects are equally desirable. We expect much bidding competition when this crosses the block.
For the record: The date logotype slightly low and to the left, but comfortably situated due to the small height of the numerals. Some die rust (per Winter) or irregularities, as always, on reverse, but no cracks in evidence. NGC #1724046-001. Only 7,913 coins minted. Pop 13; 29 finer.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500.
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| Realized $4,888 |
