Lot 1259
1849-C. NGC graded MS-61. Only 10,220 minted. Pop 4; 1 finer in 65. Unusually well struck with some toning starting to form around the devices. This is a very presentable example with slightly reflective fields and much original gold luster. Extensive detail is visible including full star lines and hair curls. A few of the eagle's features are less than fully formed, but all in all detail on this side is much sharper than typical for the date. We note a short broken mark or scratch on the obverse from star 1 to Liberty's neck.
Only 10,220 quarter eagles were struck in Charlotte during the course of the year, no doubt from gold mined exclusively in the southeast. The California gold rush was well under way with miners traveling west to pursue their chosen occupation. Western gold was shipped back to Philadelphia for coinage, mostly in larger denominations, but this probably did not begin in earnest until 1850-53. An obviously important date, the 1849-C, that belongs in a high-quality collection of Southern branch mint coins (PCGS # 7753) .
Estimated Value $14,000 - 16,000.
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