1839-O Quarter Eagle NGC MS61 - 1839-O $2.50 NGC MS61

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.