| 1839-O
Quarter Eagle NGC MS61. Certified by NGC in a new holder.
The only classic head quarter eagle (designed by William
Kneass) struck at the New Orleans Mint, and very popular
as such. It also was the first gold coin struck at the
Southern Mint, another reason for its popularity.
17,781 quarter eagles were struck in the 2nd year of
production at the New Orleans Mint. Many of these remain,
making it not a difficult issue to find in grades up
to AU-55. Anything higher than that however becomes
scarce, and uncirculated pieces are rare. In his 2nd
edition of Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint, Douglas
Winter estimates that between 18 and 23 coins of this
issue remain in uncirculated grades.
Heavy die polishing is seen on the reverse. This is
common with these coins, as the New Orleans Mint personnel
was trying hard to produce top-quality coins, although
they often failed in later years. This is especially
seen in the quality of striking, with many pieces weak
in the centers. This coin is actually nicer than average,
with good details on both sides.
Some scattered hairlines and marks account for the
grade. The previously mentioned die polishing is mint-made,
and thus has no effect on the grade. This is the high
date variety, the more common of the two varieties although
very scarce in this grade. Nice luster and original
color show, making this a very attractive coin. |