Lot 1192
1839-C $2.50 Classic Head. PCGS graded AU-55. Well struck with bisecting die crack from star 2 thru star 9. Lovely golden toning on both sides. While a relatively common coin in lower grades, the '39-C is very elusive in solid AU condition or higher with tremendous demand from collectors at this level. This is an attractive example, and has all of the qualifications for the grade and then some. The surfaces are frosty and light reddish-golden with only minimal abrasions for the grade. What seem to be defects on many 1839-C quarter eagles are actually either die cracks or planchet depressions common to this variety. First of the Charlotte Mint quarter eagles. And distinctive in having the mintmark on the obverse, above the date. Only 18,140 struck. Pop 28; 8 in 58, 1 in 61, 2 in 62 (PCGS # 7699) .
The story of the Charlotte Mint begins with the discovery of gold in that part of the country. Colonial-Era America had precious little in the way of domestic mines, leading to a general shortage of metals of all kinds. This situation persisted throughout the Revolution and the early years of the republic.
Minor gold discoveries were made in the region of the Carolinas and Georgia in the early 19th century, but then came a discovery of extensive deposits in Mecklenburg County. This touched off the nation's first gold rush, and the influx of so many miners only increased the rate at which gold discoveries were being made. Things reached a fever pitch during the 1820s and '30s. Eventually, calls went out for the government to create a mint to handle the bullion deposits. One was set up in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1838 and another further South in Dahlonega, Georgia that same year.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 5,500.
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