254
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$2.50 Gold
R
ARE
1860-C $2.50 L
IBERTY
Enlargement
1698
1860-C
.
NGC graded AU-58
. Mostly untoned. Only 7,469
struck. As the 1860s began there were fiercer and more
contentious words being exchanged in the halls of Con-
gress and the social gathering places across America, North
and South. People became concerned that hostilities would
break out. One response to this fear was that they began
hoarding precious metals, both coins and bullion, gold as
well as silver. Before long, hoarding began to tell on mint-
age totals, especially at the southern branch mints of Char-
lotte, Dahlonega, and, to a lesser extent, New Orleans.
Only 7,469 Quarter Eagles were minted at Charlotte in
1860, for instance. When war was finally declared in 1861,
the Mints’ bullion had been exhausted and they were forced
to close up shop for the duration. Little could the Mint
Directors and staff realize that Charlotte and Dahlonega
Mints would never reopen, and that New Orleans would sit
idle until 1879.
Reddish yellow gold as is typical of Charlotte Mint coins.
Fairly well struck on the obverse for the issue, in contradis-
tinction to the typically seen piece. Reverse with what are
typically called "planchet defects" but which really were
caused by the die. This is usual for the issue and is men-
tioned by Douglas Winter. Highly important as the last
Charlotte year of the quarter eagle denomination.
An examination shows that the surface "planchet defects,"
as they are commonly called, are, in fact, evidence of
debris adhering to the die. Date fairly well impressed into
die and centered between rim and bust.
Pop 23; 11 finer,
2 in 60, 5 in 61, 1 in 62, 3 in 63.
(
PCGS # 7792
)
Estimated Value ........................................ $6,000 - 6,500
Enlargement
1699
1868-S
.
PCGS graded MS-62
. A nice untoned example. Only
34,000 minted. A rare high quality coin for the date, this exam-
ple displays original luster whose satin surface is untoned, with
sharp detail including all stars, Liberty and eagle definition. On
the heels of such active luster, we are pleased to describe a coin
faithful to every detail from a full blow by the dies.
Pop 4; 6
finer, 3 in 63, 3 in 64
. (
PCGS # 7808
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$4,800 - 5,000
Enlargement
1700
1872-S
.
PCGS graded MS-61
. Mostly untoned. Only 18,000
minted. A well-struck beauty. The only lightness in the strike
can be found at the left leg and claw on the reverse. Smooth,
rolling luster and splashes of nice reddish gold mingle on the
satiny surfaces. Choice, clear surfaces; bold rims free from any
injury.
Pop 2; 6 finer, 2 in 62, 3 in 63, 1 in 64
. (
PCGS #
7816
)
Estimated Value ..............................................$4,000 - 4,500
L
OVELY
1873-S $2.50 L
IBERTY
Enlargement
1701
1873-S
.
PCGS graded MS-63
. Lovely rich golden colors.
Some minor obverse scratches. Only 27,000 minted. Very
Choice Brilliant Uncirculated, approaching the status of
MS64. Sharply struck with the arrow feather piercing the
top of the San Francisco mintmark which is positioned high
in the space provided. The low mintage explains why so
few 1873-S examples have traded at auction over a decade
or more.
Pop 2; 3 finer in 64
. (
PCGS # 7820
)
Estimated Value ........................................ $6,000 - 6,500
Enlargement
1702
1874. NGC graded UNC Details, Reverse Repaired, Rim
Filing
. Nice prooflike surfaces. Only 3,920 minted. (
PCGS #
7821
)
Estimated Value ................................................... $700 - 750
