Lot 678
IMPORTANT 1855-D $2.50 GOLD. PCGS graded AU-55. Here is a high condition census coin that is sure to please the most fastidious collector. Noted expert Douglas Winter stated that "the 1855-D quarter eagle is the rarest coin struck at the Dahlonega Mint." Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to locate a nice example. Considering the number of rarities that the Dahlonega Mint produced, it is a testament of how truly rare this date is to earn the title of "rarest" issue from that Mint. Only 1,123 were struck for circulation, there were no date and mint collectors at that time setting aside pieces from the branch mints. Thus, the coins that survived were strictly at random. Most circulated hard and were melted in the years after the Civil War. Perhaps a few dozen survive in all grades, not many to choose from for the date collectors of today. This piece is certain to please, the surfaces are clean for the grade, and abundant mint luster resides in the fields. A sunset glow of orange-gold predominates the color spectrum. Fully struck, especially at the centers, while some of the peripheral dentils show die wear as struck. The lettering and devices are surrounded by a soft gray original tone over the mint luster.
The July 2000 PCGS Population Report notes only 11 have been graded in this category, while 4 coins have been graded higher, the best as MS-60.
Similar (but different) than the recently offered H.W. Bass II coin (October 1999, lot 478).
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
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| Realized $17,250 |
