1914-D $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS....

Description

Gem 1914-D Quarter Eagle
Terrific Color and Surface Preservation

1914-D $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. For most of its 137-year existence the quarter eagle denomination was the red-headed stepchild of U.S. numismatics, too small for the demands of international banking and commerce, too large for many day-to-day transactions. The mintage history of the denomination reflects that national ambivalence, as its production was sporadic, with large gaps. The most notable pause was from 1915 to 1924, an entire decade when no quarter eagles at all were coined. An even longer hiatus occurred from 1808 to 1820, a 12-year period with no quarter eagles made.
Production of the denomination at the Denver Mint was equally spotty. Opening in 1906, the facility made Liberty Head half eagles and eagles in its very first year. But it would be 1911 before Denver made its first quarter eagles with the new Bela Lyon Pratt Indian Head style. The 1914-D quarter eagle would be the next coinage at Denver three years later, and the 1925-D would conclude the quarter eagle run, 11 years after the 1914-D.
Even when the denomination was made, it was produced in fairly small numbers compared to the half eagle; for the entire Indian Head quarter eagle series, not a single issue at either Philadelphia or Denver came close to approaching the 1 million-coin mark.
In the case of the 1914-D quarter eagle, the production was a generous 448,000 pieces, but most of them appear to have circulated--likely in the West, where a hard money tradition that began during the 1850s California Gold Rush would last until the onset of the Depression and the Gold Recall of 1933. The average certified 1914-D quarter eagle grades about MS60. Gem pieces such as the present coin, while occasionally available, are genuinely rare items. PCGS has certified 39 examples at the Gem level, and there are none finer at either service (2/10).
This piece offers bright satiny luster on both sides, with equal amounts of reddish-gold and lilac intermixed. There are no mentionable marks, and in that regard this is a remarkable example. As often seen on the issue, minor strike softness is here confined to the lowest feather of the headdress. A fantastic candidate for a fine type set. Population: 39 in 65, 0 finer (2/10).
From The Atherton Family Collection, Part Two.(Registry values: N7079)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 2899, PCGS# 7947, GSID# 8617)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 4.18 grams
AGW: 0.12095oz
Mintage: 448,000

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 all of [The Atherton Family Collection, Part Two ]

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