Feb 18-19, 2002, The Benson Collection Part 2, Sale 13
Lot 1886
1839-C. PCGS graded
AU-58. A classic example of this rare date. The coin is toned with rich
orange gold hues throughout, and frosty luster remains in abundance. Further,
this is the rare recut date variety, which is less common than the overdate
1839/38-C. Breen estimates that the overdate comprised of 10,740 coins, and
this scarcer recut date variety only 7,400 coins. The reverse die cracked
early, and had to be discarded, and this is an earlier die state with the long
crack through the eagle's beak just starting to show, and it continues down
through the first 2 in the denomination. Another reverse crack is seen running
above the left wing of the eagle. This one is well struck, but the central
radial lines on the stars are flat. There are two marks worth describing, the
first is a thin pin scratch from Liberty's bust up into the field to the rim
between the second and third star, and on the reverse there is a minor dig in
the shield. Neither of these marks are distracting. PCGS has graded 8 this
high, with just 2 graded higher (both MS-61), which easily qualifies this
specimen as one of the top dozen seen by that service. Worthy of a top notch
Charlotte gold specialty set, or a comprehensive date set of high grade quarter
eagles. Color photo.
Estimated Value $7,000-9,000.