1840-C Quarter Eagle (1840-C $2.50) NGC MS60+. But for some light abrasion marks, this 1840-C Quarter Eagle would have been certified in a high grade as indicated by the plus designation. Mint luster is seen peeking out from within the devices. Except for some typical central weakness, the strike is strong. The remainder of a partial knife rim shows on the lower obverse and reverse. Christian Gobrecht’s quarter eagle design was in use from 1840 to 1907. Gobrecht changed Liberty’s appearance by adding a coronet inscribed LIBERTY instead of a band around her head as in the previous issue. However, he maintained the denomination written as 2 ½ D. On branch mint coins, such as the present one, the mintmark is placed above the fraction just below the ends of the arrows. In this case the C is for the Charlotte Mint.

In the 1790’s gold was discovered by accident on Indian land. The first United States Gold Rush took place in the South because of this discovery. Gold that was found in North Carolina had to be refined so it would have commercial value. Private coiners filled this need until the Federal government realized that standardization was needed. Because of poor transportation to Philadelphia, bandits, and unfriendly Indians, a branch mint at Charlotte was opened in 1836.

The original mintage of this coin is 12,822. In its population report NGC shows 4 others in MS60 with 5 better.