1856-D $2 1/2 AU55 PCGS. CAC. Variety 20-N....

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Sold on Aug 24, 2022 for:

$102,000.00 Bid Source: HA.com/Live bidder

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1856-D Quarter Eagle, AU55
Rarest of All Dahlonega Issues
Seldom Seen with Attractive, Original Color

1856-D $2 1/2 AU55 PCGS. CAC. Variety 20-N. If the sub-1000 mintage of only 874 does not impress, then the reddish-orange color and an above-average planchet should do the trick. Despite being saddled with the dubious distinction of being the most poorly made of all U.S. gold coins, this 1856-D quarter eagle cannot be dismissed for any of the usual detractions. On the contrary, aside from the inevitable weak central strike, this Choice About Uncirculated coin fully exceeds expectations in just about every category. Doug Winter minces few words when describing the average example:

"The 1856-D is the worst struck Dahlonega quarter eagle. It could also be claimed as the single worst struck United States gold coin from any mint or era. Every known example has a very flat, somewhat concave appearance. In fact, to many collectors and dealers, the typical 1856-D quarter eagle looks counterfeit...The reverse is even more poorly struck than the obverse. The eagle's neck feathers are totally indistinct while the top of the shield, the right leg and the left claw are weak. The border is flat with the denticles from 10:00 to 2:00 often indistinct."

Fortunately, this coin displays solid eye appeal and comparatively sharp details. The orange-gold overtones retain a measure of mint luster. A couple of minor obverse rim nicks join some horizontal, faint hairlines on the reverse, but all else is Choice for the issue. PCGS suggests only 45 to 55 pieces survive in all grades. This coin is the sole CAC example for its grade, nor have any finer-graded coins received CAC endorsement. Population: 5 in 55, 7 finer. CAC: 1 in 55, 0 finer (7/22).
From The James Cole Collection. (Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25J9, PCGS# 7779, Greysheet# 8379)

Weight: 4.18 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% 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.

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