1824/1 $2.50 MS(PCGS#7663)

February 2026 Showcase Auction - The James A. Stack, Sr. Collection Part II

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

23005

Grade

MS61

Price

40,800

Lot Description

A dramatic rarity in the early quarter eagle series, a remarkable Mint State survivor from a mintage of just 2,600 pieces. Both sides show splendid cartwheel luster over reflective fields, with a prooflike character that remained from the initial preparation of these dies throughout the duration of the short production run. Even light yellow gold surfaces show a faint light green hue, enriched by coppery toning on the central obverse device and around the obverse periphery. Trivial friction is seen, with some horizontal lines across the portrait and some abrasions in the obverse fields, but the circles of spinning luster remain unbroken and undimmed. The strike is well centered and firmly rendered, though the area of the central reverse device left of the shield shows its usual softness, caused by an alignment opposite the highest points of the obverse portrait. A few little abrasions are seen on the rim, including at 9 o'clock on the obverse and a tiny nick above U of UNITED on the reverse. Three pinprick marks around O of OF on the reverse are probably the best markers for provenance study, as few other contact marks are consequential enough to appear in a photograph. The freshness and visual appeal are unmatched at this grade level, as in-hand inspection will impress upon those interested. Free of abuse or damage inflicted during its useful life as a coin or during its far longer career as a collectible, this piece offers outstanding value for an early gold connoisseur. <p><p>It's been a remarkable nine years since we've sold an 1824 quarter eagle. The last, a PCGS AU-58, sold in our auction of March 2017. We have not offered a Mint State example since the September 2015 Pogue II sale, when a PCGS MS-63 brought $70,500. With just 50 to 60 pieces known from a mintage of 2,600, this ranks as one of the most elusive dates in the entire quarter eagle series. This piece has eye appeal and provenance to complement its rarity, making it one of the most desirable examples of this issue extant.