1856-C $2.50 MS(PCGS#7778)

The November 2010 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Bowers & Merena

Lot Number

4871

Grade

AU58

Price

6,057

Lot Description

1856-C Liberty Quarter Eagle. Winter Variety 1 (17-J), the only known dies. AU-58 (NGC). The 1856-C is one of the most challenging Charlotte Mint Quarter Eagles to collect, and not only because it ranks third in overall rarity in this Southern gold series after the 1843-C Small Date and 1855-C. All-known examples are poorly struck, the surfaces also displaying several areas of Mint-made granularity and other roughness to the texture. These features are clearly evident on the coin we are offering in this lot, to which we must add scattered abrasions that have resulted in a scuffy "look" for both sides. The bolder definition is largely confined to the obverse, although the eagle's wings also include some finer detail. Mostly even khaki-rose color is present throughout. One of just 7,913 pieces produced, survivors of which are thought to number no more than 125 coins (per Doug Winter, 2008).