1846 Quarter Eagle (1846 $2.50) NGC MS61. This quarter eagle is usually found in lower grades and is extremely rare in mint state. Both sides of the coin show considerable mint luster. There are no obvious contact or handling marks on either side. The strike is extremely full and sharp.

We see every detail of Libertys hair and every feather on the eagle as well as all the lines on the shield. The coin is Gobrechts Coronet Head design. It remained in use from 1840 to 1907, a long run for a design type, although, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, was later added. The dies of this period were completely hubbed, which was an anticounterfeiting measure. Only the dates and mint marks were entered by hand. Gobrecht continued the previous practice of abbreviating the denomination as 2 and D. He also continued to omit, as did his predecessor, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.

With an original mintage of 21,598, all surviving pieces of this date are rare. This is particularly so of the present coin because it is a mint state example.

In its population report, NGC shows 14 in MS61 with 3 better.