246
|
$2.50 Gold
$2 . 50 Capped Head
1829 C
APPED
H
EAD
Q
UARTER
E
AGLE
Enlargement
1675
1829
.
PCGS graded Genuine. Our grade is Sharpness
of VF, with many tiny marks.
Only 3,403 Struck, 75 to
125 examples known according to PCGS Population Report.
The design of 1829-1834 is similar to that of 1821-1827
except that the date numerals, stars, and letters are slightly
smaller. The rim appears more prominent as these were
struck using a close collar with edge reeding or milling on
it. As the dies imparted the design to the face of the coin,
the spreading planchet pressed into the tight collar and so
put the reeding on the edge at the same time. The entire
effect might be less delicate than that of the 1821-1827
years, but the Mint preferred consistent dimensions and a
more standard look for higher-speed production
The design is properly attributed to John Reich, but with
modifications by Chief Engraver William Kneass. All Quarter
Eagles of the 1821-1834 years are rare today. Most exam-
ples found are in grades from Very Fine through About
Uncirculated, although scattered Uncirculated pieces have
appeared at auction, as have a few Proofs. It is not unusual
for an Uncirculated piece to have a prooflike surface.
(
PCGS # 7669
)
Estimated Value ........................................ $5,000 - 5,500
Enlargement
1676
1830. NCS graded AU Details, Tooled.
Only 4,540 pieces
struck. An untoned example. Housed in an NCS holder. Quarter
Eagles were struck in dribs and drabs before the Coinage Act of
1834 which, for a short while, stabilized the flow of gold and sil-
ver coins from the US mints. Add to this the fact that depositors
were the ones who requested various denominations. Coins
were minted on demand. And the demand in the 19th century
was for Half Eagles. These were similar in size to many Euro-
pean and South American standard issue gold pieces. The Half
Eagles had to compete with others in their class, whereas the
poor, forgotten Quarter Eagle languished (much to the delight
of today's coin buyer, who always accepts a challenge to locate
rarities.). (
PCGS # 7670
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$4,000 - 4,500
$2 . 50 Cl as s i c Head
Enlargement
1677
1834. No Motto
.
PCGS graded AU-55
. Well struck and
lightly toned. To insure that gold coins were able to circulate at
par -- which had not happened since 1815 -- Congress reduced
the weight of the various denominations through the Act of
June 28, 1834. On August 2, 1834, the new standard went into
effect. For the quarter eagle the weight changed from 67 grains
to 64 grains.
To differentiate the new coins from the old, the design was
changed. Chief Engraver William Kneass created what collectors
call the Classic Head today. The head of Liberty faces left, her
hair curls secured by a band inscribed LIBERTY, stars circling
the head, and with the date below. The motto E PLURIBUS
UNUM was dropped from the reverse. (
PCGS # 7692
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$1,200 - 1,300
1678
1836. Script 8
.
PCGS graded VF-30
. Nicely toned. (
PCGS #
7694
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $375 - 400
$2 . 50 Li be r t y
Enlargement
1679
1840-C
.
NGC graded AU-55
. A few light obverse marks.
Mostly untoned. There is a scratch across the shield and neck
feathers on the reverse. All the same, the condition is above
average for a date that usually turns up well circulated. Second
in importance, the 1840-C is the opening year of the Liberty
Head series, and for the type collector or the Charlotte specialist
the 1840 has a special cachet. Still further, not only is the 1840-
C a rarity in higher grades, but the issue is generally scarce in
any grade.
We expect bidders will come forth when this piece crosses the
block.
Date logotype firmly but not boldly impressed into the die, and
centered. Reverse with C mintmark high and with the upper
right serif embedded in the arrow feather. Only 12,822 minted.
Pop 29; 38 finer
. (
PCGS # 7718
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$3,500 - 3,600
