1836 $2.50 HM-1 MS(PCGS#764705)

June 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4147

Grade

MS63

Price

8,540

Lot Description

An early to middle die state of the 1836 HM-1 attribution, the berry stem on this piece is attenuated from die lapping, yet still complete. Crisply impressed, both sides exhibit sharp to full detail from a nicely executed strike. Indeed, the 1836 HM-1 variety as a whole is one of the most consistently well produced in the entire Classic Head quarter eagle series. Soft satin luster on the obverse yields to a somewhat more frosty texture on the reverse. The luster is full on both sides and blends nicely with handsome light golden-apricot color. The surfaces are uncommonly smooth for the assigned grade and would not be out of place at the near-Gem level. Writing of this variety Daryl J. Haynor (2020) states:<p><em>It is not too difficult to locate an 1836 HM-1 quarter eagle, as there are an estimated 285 examples, representing a Rarity-3 rating. Locating a higher end Mint State coin, however, is nearly impossible.</em><p>Clearly this upper end Select survivor ranks among the finer known, and with its minimally abraded surfaces it a strong candidate for Condition Census standing. Whether one is assembling a high grade gold type set or specialized collection of this underrated quarter eagle series, here is a significant offering that should not be missed.