1834 $2 1/2 Small Head, Breen-6138, Variety 1, R.1, MS63+ Prooflike NGC. CAC....

Description

1834 Classic Quarter Eagle, MS63+ Prooflike
Small Head, Breen-6138, Variety 1

1834 $2 1/2 Small Head, Breen-6138, Variety 1, R.1, MS63+ Prooflike NGC. CAC. The weight specifications of all U.S. gold coin denominations were changed in 1834, to make the intrinsic value of the coins equal the face value and stop the widespread hoarding that kept U.S. gold coinage from circulating. To signify this change, the Classic Head design was introduced on both quarter and half eagle denominations that year (eagles were not struck during this period). An unprecedented mintage of 112,234 Classic Head quarter eagles was accomplished at the Philadelphia Mint in 1834, by far the largest production total ever achieved for the denomination, up to that point. Accordingly, the 1834 is an available date in today's market, but only a handful of examples have been certified with prooflike surfaces.

Four die varieties are known for the date and type. This coin represents Variety 1, called the Small Head variety by Walter Breen, with a straight line of curls at the back of Liberty's head. The few known proofs of this date were also struck from Variety 1 dies. It is likely that this coin was described as a proof by early catalogers in its early auction appearances.

The present coin is a remarkable Plus-graded Select specimen with sharply detailed design elements and deeply mirrored prooflike fields. The lemon-yellow surfaces show a few grade-consistent contact marks and hairlines in the fields, including a scrape under the eagle's left (facing) wing that can serve as a pedigree marker. Over all eye appeal is outstanding. Census: 3 in 63 (1 in 63+) Prooflike, 7 finer (1/18).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25FS, PCGS# 77692)

Weight: 4.18 grams

Metal: 89.92% Gold, 10.08% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View Certification Details from NGC