1851-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. Winter-1, the only known dies. MS-62 (NGC).

This boldly struck quarter eagle offers brilliant pale honey-apricot surfaces with excellent eye appeal. The striking definition is sharp overall and exceptional in a Charlotte Mint gold piece. A true rarity at this level, and sure to be hotly contested when it crosses the auction block. Only 14,923 examples of this issue were produced, and the vast majority of that production figure saw heavy, prolonged usage in commerce. Today's collector is more apt to find numerous VF or EF examples for every one found that even approaches Mint State. Of the 160 to 210 survivors that Doug Winter accounts for in his 2008 reference on Charlotte Mint gold coins, only four to six different examples are thought to qualify as Mint State. The opportunity afforded here is practically unheralded, as the shortage of Uncirculated 1851-C quarter eagles is destined to remain just that - a shortage, unless of course a hoard of Mint State examples breaks on the market. This is highly unlikely in our estimation, so bidders are advised to treat this opportunity as though it will be the last one you'll see in the near future; we can almost guarantee it, so bid as though you mean it.

PCGS# 7760. NGC ID: 25HM.

From the Dr. William M. Aden Collection.