1839/8-C $2 1/2 MS62 PCGS....

Description

High Condition Census '1839/8-C' Quarter Eagle, MS62
Ex: Elrod, Dingler

1839/8-C $2 1/2 MS62 PCGS. Ex: Dingler. McCloskey-B, Breen-6149, R.4. This is the so-called "overdate" variety, although its status as an overdate has now been discredited. The 2009 Guide Book notes, "So-called 9 Over 8 varieties for P, C, and D mints are made from defective punches." Winter, while making note of the two major varieties and going to some detail to distinguish between them, nonetheless says that "they are not generally collected as separate issues although, in my opinion, they should be."
The present piece, formerly from the Paul Dingler Collection, is the plate coin used in the Winter 1998 reference for the 1839/8 variety. The issue is sought after not only due to its variety status, but also because of its position as a two-year branch mint subtype in the Classic Head series. Because of the confusion surrounding the "overdate" versus those pieces found with a recut date, the certified population data must be viewed with more grains of salt than usual. Nonetheless, the issue regardless of variety is extremely rare in Mint State, with Winter estimates that perhaps five examples exist. PCGS has graded two 1839-C in MS62 (including the present piece) and one certified "1839/8-C" as MS62, with none finer (12/08). NGC has certified two examples of the 1839-C in MS62 and one in MS63, unspecified as to variety. The reverse, same as used on the 1838 C-mint quarter eagles, shows extensive die cracks.
The central obverse is quite sharp on the present piece, save for minor softness on the hair curls about the ear. The rest of Liberty is quite well-detailed, although most of the peripheral stars lack central details. The two mint-made defects, one on the cheek and one behind the eye, must not be mistaken for poststrike damage. The reverse is also sharp, with undistracting weakness on the left (facing) upper wing and shield border. UNITED shows doubling, and raised die lines appear there.
Ex: Elrod Collection; Doug Winter-Lee Minshull; Paul Dingler Collection. Formerly graded MS61 PCGS.
From The Grand Lake Collection.(Registry values: P5)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25G4, PCGS# 7699, Greysheet# 8259)

Metal: 89.92% Gold, 10.08% Copper
Weight: 4.18 grams
AGW: 0.13oz
Mintage: 18,140

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.

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