Heritage Auctions Search

Skip to main content

Go to accessibility options

1796 $2 1/2 Stars MS65 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 7647)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3059 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $1,006,250.00
1796 $2 1/2 Stars MS65 NGC. Breen-6114, Bass-3003, BD-3, R.5. BD Die State b. This is the only Gem quality 1796 With Stars quarter eagle certified. The next finest examples grade MS63, and the population goes downward from there. NGC and PCGS have combined to grade just 14 pieces in all Mint State grades, and that total undoubtedly includes several resubmissions. There are certainly less than 10 true Mint State examples of this issue still in existence today. In all grades, the total estimated population is only 40 to 45 coins from a mintage generally believed to be 432 coins.

Historical Commentary

The Mint Act of 1792 authorized all of the gold and silver coins that would eventually be struck by the young Philadelphia Mint. After property was acquired, construction of the actual buildings was completed, and all was ready to produced the Nation's first coinage, copper, silver, and gold. Despite completion of the physical components and acquisition of the necessary equipment, coinage of gold and silver could still not be accomplished as the bonding requirement for key employees was too strict. These employees were unable to meet the original requirement of $10,000 bond to insure against possible loss.

Rittenhouse approached Congress with a request to reduce this amount, which they eventually did. The new requirement was $5,000 bond, a more reasonable figure for the time. It was understood that steps would be put in place for these bonded employees to only have access to a limited amount of gold and silver at any one time, further reducing the risk to the government. Finally, all was set for production of precious metals coinage. Silver dollars and half dollars were coined for the first time late in 1794, followed by other silver denominations. Half eagles and eagles came next, with the first gold coins struck in July 1795, and finally the quarter eagles were produced beginning in September 1796 with the No Stars issue. Even after all was set for product (PCGS# 7647)
Auction 422 | Lot: 3382 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $862,500.00
1802 $2 1/2 BD-3, R.5, MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 45508)
Auction 1385 | Lot: 3326 | Aug 31, 2025

Sold For: $228,000.00
1802/1 $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Breen-6118, BD-3, R.5. (PCGS# 7650)
Auction 1151 | Lot: 5020 | Jan 9, 2011

Sold For: $172,500.00
1802/1 $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Ex: Freedom Collection. Breen-4, Breen-6118, Bass-3009, BD-3, R.5. There exist three known die combinations for the quarter eagles of 1802, and all share a common obverse die that is routinely called an overdate. However, its status as an overdated die is highly questionable. As John Dannreuther notes in Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: "The fact that there were no quarter eagles dated 1799, 1800, or 1801 should lend credence to the overdate status of the 1802, but most researchers have come to the conclusion that whatever is under the 2 is not the vestiges of a 1." Dannreuther continues: "Some have suggested the calling of this quarter eagle an overdate is due to the obvious 1802/1 half eagle--an analogy easily seen. A defective 2 punch or break is now considered the likely culprit for the '1' below the 2 in the date."

Among the three varieties of 1802 quarter eagles, the BD-3 variety is seen less often than BD-1, but much more often than BD-2. The reverse is easily recognized by two constant features, a vertical spike from the left corner of the shield to the ribbon above, intersecting the ribbon below the space between B and U in PLURIBUS, and also by clear recutting of star 1 in the constellation that shows nine distinct points, rather than the usual six points.

Like many of the Draped Bust quarter eagles, the reverse die used for this variety was also used to coin Draped Bust dimes, in this case both 1802 and 1803 dimes. This interdenominational use of reverse dies was a situation unique to the dimes and quarter eagles. There are no documented instances of eagles and half dollars sharing reverse dies, and of course, quarter dollars had the denomination incorporated as part of the design, thus could not be used for production of half eagles. In addition to its use for the BD-3 quarter eagles of 1802, this reverse was also used to produce 1802 JR-1 dimes and 1803 JR-1 dimes.

This example represents the usually seen die state w (PCGS# 7650)
Auction 430 | Lot: 4279 | Feb 17, 2007

Sold For: $161,000.00
1825 $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. CAC. BD-2, High R.4. (PCGS# 7664)
Auction 1215 | Lot: 3197 | Nov 15, 2014

Sold For: $141,000.00
1855-C $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Variety 1. (PCGS# 7775)
Auction 1166 | Lot: 4762 | Jan 8, 2012

Sold For: $97,750.00
1827 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.5, MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 45522)
Auction 1311 | Lot: 4332 | Jan 12, 2020

Sold For: $96,000.00
1842-C MS 65 NGC. Ex: Elrod. The 1842-C is one of the scarcest Charlotte quarter eagles in all grades. And yet it remains one of the most underrated with few other than specialists aware of its true rarity. Perhaps no more than 55-65 pieces are known in all grades with the majority of those grading VF or less. In XF and AU condition it is a very rare issue, and currently only two pieces are known in mint condition.
Everything about this coin is atypical for the issue. Beginning with the strike, there is faint but unmistakable detail on the hair curls, the word LIBERTY is well defined, the peripheral stars well struck at the top of that side, and on the reverse only the eagle's left (facing) leg is weak. Soft, frosted mint luster covers both sides of this reddish-golden gem. The only marks of any consequence are a couple of shallow, angling scratches in the left obverse field that form a sideways V.
This is the finest known example of this major Charlotte rarity, and it is four points better than the #2 coin on the Condition Census. According to Doug Winter this piece is, "The finest known Charlotte quarter eagle of any date."
Ex: 1982 FUN Sale (NERCA, 1/82), lot 1375. (PCGS# 7724)
Auction 197 | Lot: 6146 | Feb 15, 1999

Sold For: $90,850.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars on Obverse, BD-1, High R.7, XF45 NGC. (PCGS# 45500)
Auction 1216 | Lot: 4224 | Jan 12, 2015

Sold For: $88,125.00
1829 $2 1/2 BD-1, High R.4, MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 45523)
Auction 1319 | Lot: 3687 | Sep 20, 2020

Sold For: $84,000.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars on Obverse, BD-2, R.4, XF40 NGC. (PCGS# 45501)
Auction 1298 | Lot: 3829 | Aug 18, 2019

Sold For: $84,000.00
1855-C $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Variety 1. (PCGS# 7775)
Auction 1274 | Lot: 4315 | Apr 29, 2018

Sold For: $81,000.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. To state the obvious: the 1911-D quarter eagle is very rare in Gem condition. It has the lowest mintage in the series, is generally only available in VF-AU grades, and is far scarcer than the 1914 or 1914-D in strict Gem condition. In fact, only 27 other Gems have been certified by PCGS with two finer (4/04). As a sort of backhanded compliment to this issue, counterfeits have been manufactured for several decades by adding a D mintmark to a 1911 Philadelphia coin; therefore, it is imperative that the collector (or grading service) be familiar with the diagnostics of genuine 1911-D quarter eagles.

This is an unusually clean coin, not only for a 1911-D but for any Indian quarter eagle. The fields, which are highpoint of its incuse design, are virtually free of the numerous tiny blemishes that are normally seen on coins of this design. The mint luster flows over the design and is unbroken over the highpoints of the recessed design elements. The only mark of any significance is a tiny abrasion on the highpoint of the Indian's cheek, but that is only of concern to those who examine the coin with strong magnification--those who view the piece with the unaided eye will never know this singular flaw is present.

Although a 20th century coin, the importance of this particular piece should not pass unnoticed as it is one of the most important gold rarities in this comprehensive sale that contains numerous rare gold coins.
From the Fox Valley Coin Portfolio. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 346 | Lot: 9247 | May 8, 2004

Sold For: $80,500.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1271 | Lot: 4994 | Jan 8, 2018

Sold For: $78,000.00
1831 $2 1/2 MS65 Prooflike NGC. Breen-6134, BD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 77671)
Auction 1154 | Lot: 5326 | May 1, 2011

Sold For: $74,750.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. The 1911-D quarter eagle is quite rare in Gem condition. It has the lowest mintage in the series, is generally only available in VF-AU grades, and is far scarcer than the 1914 or 1914-D in strict Gem condition. In fact, only 58 other Gems have been certified by NGC, with two finer (6/06). As a sort of backhanded compliment to this issue, counterfeits have been manufactured for several decades by adding a D mintmark to a 1911 Philadelphia coin, so it is imperative that the collector (or grading service) be familiar with the diagnostics of genuine 1911-D quarter eagles.

This is an unusually clean coin, not only for a 1911-D but for any Indian quarter eagle. The fields, which are the highpoints of its incuse design, are virtually free of the numerous tiny blemishes that are normally seen on coins of this type. The mint luster flows over the surfaces and is unbroken over the highpoints of the recessed design elements. Both sides are a lush, deep honey-gold. The only marks of any significance are a tiny abrasion on the highpoint of the Indian's cheek, a microscopic impression below the Y of LIBERTY, and a short vertical pinscratch well hidden in the lower headdress feathers. These are only of concern, and only visible, to those who examine the coin with strong magnification. The reverse shows no mentionable distractions, large or small. As another plus, the mintmark is boldly brought up, unlike many pieces of this issue. Although a 20th century coin, the importance of this particular piece should not pass unnoticed, as it is one of the most important gold rarities in this sale, as well as the key-date issue for one of the few readily completed U.S. gold coin series. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 407 | Lot: 1005 | Jul 8, 2006

Sold For: $74,750.00
1847-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Variety 9-M. The only variety of the year. Intermediate die state with the 847 in the date lightly repunched at the bases.

In 2003, Doug Winter wrote the following about this coin: "There are currently no Dahlonega quarter eagles that have been graded MS65 by PCGS or NGC. If one does achieve this coveted level, it will probably be the 1847-D in the Duke's Creek collection." Bang the drums, blow the trumpets ... NGC has graded the Duke's Creek 1847-D quarter eagle MS65.

The 1847-D is generally one of the best produced quarter eagles from this mint. The strike tends to be sharp and, for some reason, there are more pieces known with exceptional color than for any other date in this series. Even by these standards, this coin stands above any other Dahlonega quarter eagle we have seen. The surfaces are nearly flawless, and the strike is as sharp as one would expect to see on a Philadelphia coin of this era. Perhaps the most impressive aspect is the rich coloration. It is a vivid, deep gold, with strong flashes of rose at the left reverse border. The eye appeal can really only be appreciated by a viewing in person.

This is the first auction appearance of this coin. It initially appeared on the market in the late 1980s and it has quietly resided in private collections since then. The advanced collector who truly wants "the best" should seriously pursue the Duke's Creek 1847-D, as it is likely the single finest known quarter eagle of any date from this mint.

As a basis of comparison, the second finest known 1847-D is a nice PCGS MS64 that was sold by Heritage as part of the Green Pond Collection, lot 1024, where it brought $39,100. As one of only two certified MS65s of any date (the other is an 1851-D that is offered later in this sale), this coin should certainly be worth considerably more, and it may set an auction record for any Dahlonega quarter eagle.
Ex: Leon Farmer Collection; Hancock and Harwell. This is the plate coin in the f (PCGS# 7746)
Auction 402 | Lot: 1504 | Apr 7, 2006

Sold For: $74,750.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars on Obverse, BD-2, R.4, XF40 NGC. (PCGS# 45501)
Auction 1251 | Lot: 5800 | Jan 9, 2017

Sold For: $73,437.50
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1201 | Lot: 5374 | Jan 12, 2014

Sold For: $70,500.00
1849-C $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Variety 1. (PCGS# 7753)
Auction 1166 | Lot: 4757 | Jan 8, 2012

Sold For: $69,000.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1110 | Lot: 1880 | Jun 29, 2008

Sold For: $69,000.00
1856-D $2 1/2 XF45 NGC. CAC. Variety 20-N. (PCGS# 7779)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 4417 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $66,000.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1311 | Lot: 4363 | Jan 12, 2020

Sold For: $66,000.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars on Obverse, BD-2, R.4, XF40 NGC. (PCGS# 45501)
Auction 1216 | Lot: 4223 | Jan 12, 2015

Sold For: $64,625.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1117 | Lot: 1991 | Oct 25, 2008

Sold For: $63,250.00
1851-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Variety 14-M. The only variety known of this year.

As a testament to the Duke's Creek Collection, consider this fact: there are only two Dahlonega quarter eagles of any date that have ever been graded MS65 by one of the major services. Both of them are in this sale, and they are clearly the two finest Dahlonega quarter eagles known.

The obverse on this piece is far better struck than on most 1851-D quarter eagles, while the reverse has some weakness on the eagle's left leg and right claw. The surfaces are extremely clean with no abrasions worthy of mention, and the luster is heavily frosted and superior than on any other example of this date we have seen. Perhaps the best feature, though, is the rich orange-gold color, with occasional steel-blue overtones over the highpoints. As one would expect from a Dahlonega quarter eagle accorded this mind-boggling grade, the eye appeal is spectacular, especially for an issue that is generally not usually seen with a good overall look.

The 1851-D is the eighth rarest Dahlonega quarter eagle in high grades. There were 11,264 pieces struck, and an estimated 100-110 are known today. We are aware of exactly five Uncirculated coins, and the second finest is a PCGS MS62 in a Kansas collection that was once a duplicate in the Duke's Creek Collection.

If one were forced to choose between the 1847-D and the 1851-D quarter eagles in this sale, the 1847-D has a more pleasing appearance. But the 1851-D is a far rarer coin, and this piece is far finer than any other piece from the 1850s. So, perhaps the best choice would be to buy them both!
From The Duke's Creek Collection of Dahlonega Gold. (PCGS# 7761)
Auction 402 | Lot: 1508 | Apr 7, 2006

Sold For: $63,250.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars on Obverse, BD-2, R.4, XF40 NGC. (PCGS# 45501)
Auction 1217 | Lot: 3238 | Feb 1, 2015

Sold For: $61,687.50
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1122 | Lot: 2592 | Feb 8, 2009

Sold For: $57,500.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. An absolutely stunning Gem '11-D Quarter Eagle, with intense, satiny luster and a trace of rose-violet and orange patina in the fields. The overall strike is very well executed, with crisp definition over all features, even the all-important D mintmark, and the diagnostic knife-like rim on the upper right obverse is quite distinct even within the holder. The 55,680 Quarter Eagles struck in 1911 represent the Denver Mint's first delivery of that denomination.
The last MS65 1911-D Indian $2 1/2 we had the privilege to sell realized an impressive $36,340 as lot 9052 in our 2002 July New York ANA Sale .
From the McCormick Ranch Collection. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 328 | Lot: 10195 | Jul 30, 2003

Sold For: $50,025.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1137 | Lot: 1514 | Feb 7, 2010

Sold For: $49,163.01
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65+ NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1151 | Lot: 5046 | Jan 9, 2011

Sold For: $48,875.00
1847-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Walter Breen recorded three pair of dies for the 1847-D quarter eagle coinage, and provided two different entries for this coinage in his Complete Encyclopedia, yet Doug Winter insists that just one die variety is known. We tend to agree with Winter's observations in this regard. Minute repunching is visible left of the base of digits 4 and 7, representing a later stage in the life of the obverse die. According to Winter, this reverse die was used for the balance of Dahlonega Mint quarter eagles through the end of the series in 1859. This means that this single reverse die was used for the production of almost 80,000 quarter eagles. At least 200 examples of this issue survive from the mintage of 15,784 coins. Nearly all are in the VF to AU range. Any Mint State example is a rarity, even though this is one of the five most common Dahlonega Mint quarter eagle issues. In higher grades, the typical '47-D is weakly defined on the obverse with a stronger reverse. The border details and stars are also stronger than the central obverse details. The typical example is also lightly abraded with a number of scattered marks in the fields. Clash marks are often visible. To date, NGC has certified three Dahlonega quarter eagles as MS65, including two 1847-D coins and one 1851-D, while PCGS has still never graded a Gem quarter eagle from this Mint.

This example was formerly graded MS64 and recently resubmitted for the Gem designation, a grade we believe should have been assigned from the start. This is the Bass coin, with an earlier pedigree back the DiBello Collection sale of 1970. This Gem is generally accepted by students of the series as the second finest known quarter eagle from the Dahlonega Mint. The only finer one is another example of this same issue, the Duke's Creek specimen, earlier from the Leon Farmer Collection. The strike is absolutely full, and is sharper than could be imagined, considering the typical Dahlonega coin. The devices have frost (PCGS# 7746)
Auction 358 | Lot: 8119 | Nov 6, 2004

Sold For: $48,300.00
1911-D $2 1/2 Strong D MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1364 | Lot: 3165 | Aug 20, 2023

Sold For: $48,060.00

Make Offer to Owner
$72,090 or more
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1364 | Lot: 3166 | Aug 20, 2023

Sold For: $46,800.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1347 | Lot: 3227 | Jul 14, 2022

Sold For: $46,800.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1379 | Lot: 3085 | Dec 15, 2024

Sold For: $45,600.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 4682 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $45,600.00

Make Offer to Owner
$68,400 or more
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1175 | Lot: 5706 | Oct 21, 2012

Sold For: $45,531.25
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65+ NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1258 | Lot: 4103 | Aug 6, 2017

Sold For: $44,650.00

Make Offer to Owner
$66,975 or more
1856-D $2 1/2 XF45 NGC. Variety 20-N. (PCGS# 7779)
Auction 1374 | Lot: 4534 | May 12, 2024

Sold For: $44,400.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1371 | Lot: 4319 | Jan 14, 2024

Sold For: $44,400.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1391 | Lot: 3154 | Mar 28, 2026

Sold For: $44,043.22
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1271 | Lot: 4993 | Jan 8, 2018

Sold For: $43,200.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1177 | Lot: 4838 | Dec 2, 2012

Sold For: $41,125.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 1209 | Lot: 3374 | Sep 6, 2014

Sold For: $39,656.25
1866 $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. Boldly struck, with bright, copper-gold surfaces that exhibit minimal contact marks. Population: 1 in 65, 0 finer (4/04). (PCGS# 7803)
Auction 346 | Lot: 9135 | May 8, 2004

Sold For: $39,100.00
1911-D $2 1/2 MS65 NGC. The first of only three Quarter Eagles struck in the Denver Mint, the 1911-D boasts the lowest mintage (55,680 pieces) of this type. It is also the rarest Indian Quarter Eagle from both absolute and condition standpoints. We have been fortunate to offer another MS65 NGC example within the last two and a half years, and that coin realized $33,500 as lot 7594 in our May 2000 Central States Signature Sale. The present specimen is very well struck with crisp definition over all features, even the all-important D mintmark. Warm orange-gold color overlay both sides, and the diagnostic knife-like rim on the upper right obverse is evident with the naked eye. Certain angles reveal pale powder-blue iridescence in select areas on the obverse of this minimally abraded example. NGC and PCGS combined report just 19 coins in MS65, with a mere five finer (4/02).

According to official records, the Denver Mint used two die pairs to produce the 1911-D. Breen (1988) notes that only 70 coins were struck from the second pairing, none of which are believed extant. (PCGS# 7943)
Auction 296 | Lot: 9052 | Jul 30, 2002

Sold For: $36,340.00

1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Results per page: 24 48 72