Pre-Long Beach Auction #84

1842-D. PCGS graded AU-53. A legendary rarity among Dahlonega Mint quarter eagles, the 1842-D was produced to the extent of just 4,643 pieces. With only 75 to 85 coins believed left, most of which are lower grades, the 1842-D now ranks fifth in rarity in this D-mint gold series. It is thus rarer in an absolute terms than the other Dahlonega Mint quarter eagles with the exception of the 1840-D, 1854-D, 1855-D, and 1856-D. In high grades (AU and Mint State), Winter accounts for no more than 10 survivors, all of which he reports as AU. The major grading services confirm that the 1842-D is almost unobtainable in Mint State, there being no coins graded finer than AU-58 at PCGS. Along with the 1856-D, the 1842-D is the second rarest Dahlonega Mint quarter eagle in high grades after the 1840-D. Only a few abrasions are reported, mostly on the obverse; the rims are without bumps or other problems. Pleasant deep golden color with some red accents when closely examined. An important opportunity for the collector of Southern gold. Pop 5; 12 finer, 7 in 55, 5 in 58 (PCGS # 7725) .
Estimated Value $7,500 - 8,000.