1844-C Quarter Eagle (1844-C $2.50) PCGS XF45. Both sides of this somewhat lustrous 1844-C Charlotte quarter show some abrasion, consistent with the grade and even wear on the high points of the coin. The strike is average for the date with central weakness, especially on the obverse.

Christian Gobrecht’s quarter eagle design lasted for over sixty-five years. It was reduced and modified from his design for the eagle. To minimize counterfeiting and variation, except for the date and mint mark, the coins were completely hubbed, unlike earlier issues where design elements were added separately. Since they were added by hand, variations occurred only in the date and mint mark. In 1835 Congress established the branch mints in Charlotte, North Carolina and Dahlonega, Georgia. These mints produced their first coins in 1838. The period of time that the two mints were in operation was America’s first gold rush.