The June 2-5, 2002, Pre-Long Beach Sale, Sale 14
$2.50 Classic Head
Lot 3489
1839-O Andre Dawson.
NGC graded MS-64. An extremely rare coin in this grade, and
certainly one of the very finest known of this date. A scant 17,781 Quarter
Eagles were struck in New Orleans during 1839, all bearing the obverse Mintmark
above the date. This particular one was saved in very choice mint state
condition, and somehow came down through the decades and generations virtually
undiminished from the day it was coined. Note the satiny luster on both sides,
with splendid surfaces that show virtually no significant signs of handling.
There is a minor die crack through the I of UNITED down through the upper
disconnected leaf pair, and touching one claw point, then down to the rim
through the first 2 in the denomination. The dies were obviously lapped before
this one was coined.
As to rarity, this one is tied for the finest graded
with 3 others at NGC and 4 at PCGS, neither service has graded any higher. An
exceptional opportunity for the astute numismatist.
Estimated Value
$20,000-25,000.
From Heritage Numismatic Auctions Andre Dawson sale,
September 1998, lot 7028.