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1796 $2 1/2 Stars on Obverse, BD-3, High R.5, MS62 NGC. CAC. (PCGS# 45502)
Auction 1390 | Lot: 3182 | Jan 17, 2026

Sold For: $561,200.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars on Obverse, BD-2, R.4, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45501)
Auction 1327 | Lot: 3735 | Feb 24, 2021

Sold For: $276,000.00

Make Offer to Owner
$414,000 or more
1808 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45515)
Auction 1385 | Lot: 3330 | Aug 31, 2025

Sold For: $228,000.00
1796 $2 1/2 Stars MS62 NGC. Breen-6114, Bass-3003, R.5. While the No Stars design of 1796 is the higher visibility coin with its one-year type design, the With Stars variant is actually considerably rarer. Less than half as many With Stars quarter eagles were struck as No Stars variety (432 vs. 963 pieces), and since the With Stars has the same design type as the successive years through 1807, it is an overlooked issue among early quarter eagles. The estimates of the number of survivors range from as few as 20 to 25 coins (Akers) to a high of 30 (Breen). The actual number of survivors is probably in the range of 50 to 60 coins. Virtually all are in the VF-XF grade range, most show central striking weakness, and adjustment marks are prevalent.

This piece shows soft detailing in the center of each side and there are a few light adjustment marks located in the center of the reverse. Struck from a slightly rough planchet, there are a few tiny planchet flecks out of each side and pronounced die file marks are seen above and through the tops of S(TATE)S. Rich reddish-orange patina covers each side of this attractive coin with bright, semi-prooflike fields apparent, especially so on the reverse. Population: 4 in 62, 5 finer (10/05). (PCGS# 7647)
Auction 388 | Lot: 2363 | Nov 5, 2005

Sold For: $219,650.00
1796 $2 1/2 Stars MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7647)
Auction 1114 | Lot: 1452 | Aug 3, 2008

Sold For: $207,000.00
1796 $2 1/2 Stars MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7647)
Auction 1128 | Lot: 1205 | Aug 2, 2009

Sold For: $172,500.00
1796 $2 1/2 Stars MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7647)
Auction 1126 | Lot: 2568 | Mar 31, 2009

Sold For: $172,500.00
1796 $2 1/2 No Stars MS62 NGC. The 1796, one of 963 pieces minted, is one of the few transcendent rarities in U.S. coinage that is well known outside the circle of gold specialists. The 1796 No Stars quarter eagle is a coin with many firsts. It is a well-known, one-year type coin that has a distinctive design unlike any subsequent quarter eagle (all of which stars), it is the first date of the denomination, it is the first issue to ever showcase a heraldic eagle on the reverse, and it is the first coin struck with sixteen reverse stars honoring Tennessee's admission to the Union. Quarter eagles were authorized by the Mint Act of April 2, 1792 which required a weight of 64.5 grains. While half eagle and eagle production commenced in 1795, the quarter eagle, a less favored denomination, had to wait until 1796. The first dies were hastily prepared by Robert Scot with some assistance from John Smith Gardner. The obverse design was similar to that of the 1795 half eagle and eagle, but the stars were omitted from the periphery. Possibly 80-100 pieces are extant today in all grades, but only half a dozen or so examples are believed known at the MS62 grade or higher, making this coin of the greatest rarity and desirability to gold specialists.

This is a pleasing orange-gold example that is a bit weakly defined in the centers but sharp at the peripheries. Subdued, satin-like luster covers each side with very few abrasions, none of any note, with just a few shallow adjustment marks in the center of the reverse. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire this legendary rarity in Condition Census quality. Population: 3 in 62, 2 finer (11/03). (PCGS# 7645)
Auction 336 | Lot: 3004 | Jan 10, 2004

Sold For: $138,000.00
1796 No Stars MS 62 NGC. Of the greatest importance to serious collectors, the 1796 No Stars quarter eagle is one of the most distinctive and highly desirable of all design types in United States coinage. The difference between No Stars and With Stars quarter eagles is not simply one of the addition of stars to the No Stars die, as one might imagine. Rather, each is a separately produced variety, the With Stars variety having different characteristics other than the presence of stars. The obverse takes on the appearance of a medal, set as it is in an unadorned tondo and lacking any peripheral devices other than the word LIBERTY at the top of that side. The obverse is mostly bright green-gold while the reverse shows significant portions of reddish patina scattered about that side. A few minor adjustment marks are noted on the lower right side of the obverse and the upper right edge of the reverse. This piece is markedly superior to the AU 58 we sold in last year's FUN Sale that brought $129,000 (with the 10% buyer's fee included). Population: 2 in 62, only 2 are finer (8/98). (PCGS# 7645)
Auction 195 | Lot: 7942 | Jan 11, 1999

Sold For: $138,000.00
1798 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Wide Date, Five Berries, BD-2, R.5. (PCGS# 7649)
Auction 1181 | Lot: 5815 | Jan 14, 2013

Sold For: $76,375.00
1840-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Variety 1-A. Struck from a perfect reverse die without cracks, and extremely rare as such. This is one of two varieties for the year, and it is easily recognizable by the mintmark that leans toward the 2 in the fraction.

This is one of the single most important Dahlonega quarter eagles of any date. It is the only truly Uncirculated 1840-D that we are aware of, and it is by far the best struck piece we have seen. When branch mint gold specialist Doug Winter first saw the coin in Auction '84, he said he "was astounded by it" and continued, "As I have become more knowledgeable about this series over the years, the true significance of this coin has become more apparent to me."

The strike is amazing for the date. Both the obverse and reverse show virtually full detail, with uncommonly sharp centers. As mentioned above, the reverse shows no die crack, and this is one of only three or four perfect-die coins. There is some minor roughness in the obverse fields, as made, as well as a few ticks that are consistent with the assigned grade. This coin is head and shoulders above any other 1840-D quarter eagle in terms of eye appeal, so much so that it almost seems unfair to mention them. The luster is slightly subdued, with some natural haziness; the obverse is just a bit reflective, while the reverse is frostier in its texture. The color is a natural light green-gold.

The late Jack Hancock considered this coin to be a highlight of the Duke's Creek Collection, and it was one of his all-time favorite coins. The 1840-D is the single rarest Dahlonega quarter eagle in high grades, and if one is a serious collector of D-mint two and a halves or quarter eagles in general, this coin presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is unlikely to be exceeded by any other 1840-D.
Ex: New Netherlands (11/56), lot 219; Bareford Collection (Stack's, 12/78), lot 86; Hancock and Harwell; Dr. Arthur Montgomery Collection; Auction '84 (Stack's session, 8/84), lot (PCGS# 7719)
Auction 402 | Lot: 1495 | Apr 7, 2006

Sold For: $74,750.00
1804 $2 1/2 14 Stars Reverse MS62 NGC. CAC. BD-2, R.4. (PCGS# 7652)
Auction 1215 | Lot: 3195 | Nov 15, 2014

Sold For: $70,501.18
1925-D $2 1/2 Indian Quarter Eagle -- Double Struck, Rotated 180 Degrees in Collar -- MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7949)
Auction 1154 | Lot: 5345 | May 1, 2011

Sold For: $57,500.00
1842-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Variety 3-F. The only variety known for the year. Repunched 18 in the date; somewhat later die state without repunching on the 4. The reverse shows a series of die file lines above AME in AMERICA.

Only 4,643 pieces were struck, with fewer than 100 examples known today. This date is most often seen in the VF to XF grade range, and it is unlikely that more than a dozen or so exist in AU.

The strike is far above average for the issue and may be considered among the best on any 1842-D. The obverse is almost completely struck up, with the exception of some localized weakness on the curl below the ear; the reverse has nearly full central details, which is very unusual for an issue that is generally seen with a sunken, incomplete appearance. The surfaces show a number of marks, including a deep cut on the chin of Liberty, a shallow planchet flaw between stars 11 and 12, a thin planchet flaw on the inside of the eagle's neck, and a depression on the cheek of Liberty that was caused by foreign matter that adhered to the die at the time of striking. The luster is decidedly above average for an issue that is generally seen dull and with minimal luster. Both the obverse and reverse are covered with light orange-gold color that shades to a warm medium orange on the reverse. This is an exceptional coin for the grade, with a wonderful appearance.

In the most recent edition of Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861, the 1842-D is ranked as the second rarest quarter eagle, along with the 1856-D. However, with a number of newly certified, high graded coins that have since appeared, the 1842-D is not quite as rare as formerly thought. That said, the 1842-D is still a rare coin in higher grades, and the Duke's Creek example is one of just three pieces ever graded Uncirculated by a major service. It is the single finest graded by NGC, and it is clearly among the finest known examples of this very rare issue.
Ex: B. Max Mehl (4/27/37), lot (PCGS# 7725)
Auction 402 | Lot: 1497 | Apr 7, 2006

Sold For: $57,500.00
1839-C $2 1/2 HM-2, R.6, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 764798)
Auction 1332 | Lot: 3071 | Jul 15, 2021

Sold For: $55,200.00
1806/4 $2 1/2 8x5 Stars MS62 NGC. BD-1, High R.4. (PCGS# 7654)
Auction 1181 | Lot: 5817 | Jan 14, 2013

Sold For: $51,112.50
1839-C $2 1/2 HM-2, R.6, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 764798)
Auction 1348 | Lot: 4008 | Aug 28, 2022

Sold For: $50,400.00
1805 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45511)
Auction 1344 | Lot: 3938 | May 8, 2022

Sold For: $48,000.00
1805 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Breen-6121, BD-1, R.4. (PCGS# 7653)
Auction 1143 | Lot: 3406 | Aug 15, 2010

Sold For: $46,000.00
1807 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. BD-1, R.3. (PCGS# 7656)
Auction 1205 | Lot: 30209 | Mar 20, 2014

Sold For: $44,062.50
1821 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. BD-1, R.5. (PCGS# 7662)
Auction 1205 | Lot: 30211 | Mar 20, 2014

Sold For: $44,062.50
1805 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45511)
Auction 1341 | Lot: 4657 | Jan 14, 2022

Sold For: $43,200.00
1821 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7662)
Auction 1121 | Lot: 4001 | Jan 11, 2009

Sold For: $43,125.00
1802 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7650)
Auction 1114 | Lot: 1457 | Aug 3, 2008

Sold For: $40,250.00
1802/1 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7650)
Auction 444 | Lot: 1820 | Aug 12, 2007

Sold For: $38,812.50
1841-C $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Variety 1. (PCGS# 7721)
Auction 1348 | Lot: 4012 | Aug 28, 2022

Sold For: $38,400.00
1839-D $2 1/2 HM-1, R.5, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 764932)
Auction 1344 | Lot: 3940 | May 8, 2022

Sold For: $38,400.00
1843-C $2 1/2 Small Date, Crosslet 4 MS62 NGC. Variety 1. (PCGS# 7729)
Auction 1332 | Lot: 3075 | Jul 15, 2021

Sold For: $38,400.00
1821 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Breen-6126, Bass-3018, BD-1, R.5. It had been 13 years since the last quarter eagles were coined until this denomination was resumed again. Production remained low with 6,448 quarter eagles produced in 1821, and this mintage was more than one-third the total output for the entire design from 1821 through 1827. Based on mintage figures alone, the rarity of the entire type can be seen, with just 17,042 pieces struck during that period. But the mintage was not everything, as John Dannreuther points out: "Besides the usual factors that remove coins from circulation--wear, loss, and so on--the early gold issues faced another factor that doomed many of them. Pre-1834 old coins were melted after the June 28, 1834 passage of the act reducing the weight of gold coins."

After John Reich left the Mint, Robert Scot was the only engraver that remained, and it is he who is given credit for this design, actually a modification of Reich's earlier design. Scot is a mysterious figure among the various chief engravers who served the Mint over the years. He received his appointment to the Mint staff on November 23, 1793, and remained until his death in late 1823. Many years earlier, at about the time John Reich joined the Mint, Scot's future potential had been discussed by Mint Director Patterson who stated that he was "so advanced in life, that he cannot very long be expected to continue his labors." At the time, Robert Scot was 62 years old, and Patterson was 64!

The 1821 quarter eagle is the first issue of this design, and the entire mintage is from a single die pair. The first examples were proofs, struck from polished dies. Because so few business strikes were coined after the proofs, nearly all have reflective surfaces as on this coin. Both sides are lightly abraded as expected for the grade. A few faint hairlines are also evident. The central design motifs are boldly defined, and the stars near the obverse border are fully detailed. The surfaces have fully brill (PCGS# 7662)
Auction 422 | Lot: 3393 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $37,375.00
1859-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Variety 21-M. The only variety of the year. This is the final use of the "M" reverse, which was first employed in 1847.

An average strike for the issue, with some weakness seen on the curls along the face of Liberty as well as on the legs and right claw of the eagle. There are few marks visible on the surfaces, although a small, well-hidden, mint-made lamination can be seen at 11 o'clock on the obverse. The fields are somewhat prooflike, an unusual feature on a date that is not known for good luster. Both sides are richly toned in medium to deep orange-gold hues. This is a lovely example of this popular issue, and it is possibly the finest known.

The 1859-D is the final quarter eagle produced at the Dahlonega Mint. There were 2,244 pieces struck, with an estimated 120-140 coins known today. This date does not appear to have circulated as extensively as the issues from the 1840s, and it is almost never seen below XF. It is scarce in the higher AU grades and very rare in Uncirculated, with around six to eight known that qualify by today's standards. Only three coins have been graded MS62 by one of the major services, and this includes the Green Pond: 1036 coin, which realized a healthy $34,500 when it was sold by Heritage in January 2004.
Ex: Lamborn ("Fairfield") Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/77), lot 1564; Leon Farmer Collection; Hancock and Harwell.
From The Duke's Creek Collection of Dahlonega Gold. (PCGS# 7789)
Auction 402 | Lot: 1515 | Apr 7, 2006

Sold For: $37,375.00
1805 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45511)
Auction 1216 | Lot: 4233 | Jan 12, 2015

Sold For: $35,250.00
1827 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Breen-6131, BD-1, R.5. (PCGS# 7666)
Auction 1143 | Lot: 3409 | Aug 15, 2010

Sold For: $34,500.00
1839/8-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7700)
Auction 454 | Lot: 3088 | Jan 12, 2008

Sold For: $34,500.00
1802/1 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7650)
Auction 1124 | Lot: 2669 | May 3, 2009

Sold For: $32,200.00
1839-C $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7699)
Auction 1122 | Lot: 2431 | Feb 8, 2009

Sold For: $32,200.00
1833 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 7673)
Auction 452 | Lot: 1829 | Nov 7, 2007

Sold For: $32,200.00
1853-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Variety 16-M. The only variety of the year. The reverse die is the same as seen on all quarter eagles struck at Dahlonega from 1847 through 1859.

An average strike for the date, with some weakness on the curls around the face and on the reverse at the eagle's left leg and right claw. The surfaces are somewhat granular in texture, as commonly seen on this issue, and a good deal of mint luster clings to lightly marked fields. There is one small mark at the base of Liberty's neck, and the reverse is quite clean. Both sides show orange-gold toning, with rich blue shades on the highpoints.

Despite a very low mintage figure of 3,178 pieces, the 1853-D is overshadowed by the 1854-D, 1855-D, and 1856-D quarter eagles. Fewer than 100 examples of the 1853-D are known in all grades, and the average specimen is a well-worn VF or XF with poor eye appeal. There are fewer than two dozen examples known in AU, and five or six in Uncirculated. There are a total of three graded in MS62 between the two services, and this piece is clearly the finest. This coin is listed on the latest Condition Census as the finest 1853-D quarter eagle. This is another extremely important coin from the Duke's Creek Collection. It is interesting to note that this piece sold for nearly $20,000 in 1985, at a time when one could buy several serious Dahlonega coins for this sum and have quite a bit of money left over.
Ex: Jasper Robertson (Mid-American, 5/85), lot 1275, where it brought $18,150; Leon Farmer Collection; Hancock and Harwell. The plate coin in the first edition of Doug Winter's book Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint, 1838-1861.
From The Duke's Creek Collection of Dahlonega Gold. (PCGS# 7768)
Auction 402 | Lot: 1510 | Apr 7, 2006

Sold For: $32,200.00
1802/1 $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Breen-6118, Bass-3009, R.4. This canary-gold piece is unmarked for the grade and displays considerable shimmering luster. Moderate softness of strike in the centers is balanced by sharp details throughout the remainder of the design. A vertical die line from the upper left border of the shield to the scroll above identifies the die pairing, one of three known for the date, all of which share a common obverse die. All 1802 Quarter Eagles are traditionally listed as overdates. However, unlike the obvious overdate on all 1802/1 Half Eagles and some 1802/1 Silver Dollars, traces of the 1 underdigit on the 1802 Quarter Eagle are not conclusive. (PCGS# 7650)
Auction 388 | Lot: 2364 | Nov 5, 2005

Sold For: $32,200.00
1807 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.3, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45514)
Auction 1225 | Lot: 3477 | Oct 29, 2015

Sold For: $31,725.00
1839-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Winter 1-A, Variety 26, R.3. (PCGS# 7700)
Auction 1298 | Lot: 3839 | Aug 18, 2019

Sold For: $31,200.00
1840-C MS 62 NGC. Ex: Elrod. A Condition Census coin and a very impressive piece from any viewpoint. Sharply struck throughout, both sides are covered with rich reddish-orange patina and display bright underlying mint frost with a slightly reflective glint in the reverse fields. The surfaces on each side are peppered with numerous tiny abrasions, but none really stand out as worthy of individual mention.
Possibly Ex: Bareford Sale (Stack's, 12/78), lot 85; Neil Sale (B. Max Mehl, 6/47). (PCGS# 7718)
Auction 197 | Lot: 6141 | Feb 15, 1999

Sold For: $31,050.00
1832 $2 1/2 BD-1, R.4, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45526)
Auction 1332 | Lot: 3067 | Jul 15, 2021

Sold For: $30,052.80
1852-D $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. CAC. Variety 15-M. (PCGS# 7765)
Auction 1160 | Lot: 4682 | Oct 16, 2011

Sold For: $29,900.00
Indian Quarter Eagle Set. MS62 NGC. This is a complete, uniformly matched set of Indian quarter eagles from 1908 to 1929, including every date and mintmark issue. Each coin is certified as MS62 by NGC. Each individual coin is fully lustrous and sharply struck with colors ranging from medium honey-gold to brilliant yellow gold. The key-date 1911-D issue has darker yellow color with subdued luster and a bold mintmark. (Total: 15 Coins) (PCGS# 7939)
Auction 422 | Lot: 3443 | Jan 6, 2007

Sold For: $29,900.00
1848 $2 1/2 CAL. MS 62 NGC. Shortly after the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill on the American River in January of 1848, 230 ounces of native California ore was sent back east by California's military governor, Colonel R. B. Mason, to Secretary of War William L. Marcy. Secretary Marcy delivered the bullion to Mint Director Robert Maskell Patterson, and instructed him that the gold was to be used to produce specially marked quarter eagles. The 1,389 pieces produced were all stamped with the abbreviation CAL. on the upper reverse just above the eagle's head in commemoration of the discovery of the Sutter's Mill discovery and subsequent gold rush. Many consider (and we believe rightfully so) that these specially stamped quarter eagles are the nation's first commemorative coins. While VF and XF examples can usually be found for a price, Mint State pieces are extremely rare and we have handled very few in the past twenty-five years.

The surfaces of this piece have the bright, satin-like luster common to this issue. And there are remarkably few abrasions for a coin in this grade; in fact, the only mark that could be used as a reliable pedigree identifier is a short horizontal scratch to the left of star 8. One of the finest pieces known of this rare and historically important gold coin. Population: 3 in 62, 9 finer (7/00).
From the Sal Westerman Collection. (PCGS# 7749)
Auction 244 | Lot: 8083 | Jan 6, 2001

Sold For: $28,750.00
1848 CAL. MS 62 NGC. This is a splendid yellow-gold example and the finest CAL quarter eagle we have sold through auction in recent years. The obverse is generally well struck, but the reverse is softly defined on the eagle's plumage, as usual. The minimally abraded surfaces are bright and show a trace of prooflikeness that is seen on most XF or better examples. Considered by many to be the first American commemorative coin, the CAL. quarter eagles were struck from native ore brought directly from the California gold fields. Only 1,389 pieces were struck and considering the obvious intent of the coins as well as the counterstamp, surprisingly few were saved as mementoes. A rare and historic piece of U.S. gold coinage. (PCGS# 7749)
Auction 173 | Lot: 6375 | Jun 9, 1997

Sold For: $28,232.50
1802/1 $2 1/2 BD-2, High R.5, MS62 NGC. (PCGS# 45507)
Auction 1238 | Lot: 4254 | Aug 14, 2016

Sold For: $28,200.00
1841-C $2 1/2 MS62 NGC. Variety 1. (PCGS# 7721)
Auction 1205 | Lot: 30235 | Mar 20, 2014

Sold For: $28,200.00

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