Ron Guth:
The 1849 Quarter is a relatively common coin, but it is hard to locate Gem examples. Even regular Mint State 1849 Quarters are scarce, though there are ample supplies in MS62 to MS64. None have been seen (yet) above MS65.
In 1992, Larry Briggs identified three different obverses and two different reverses used to produce coins for circulation, plus one obverse and one reverse die combination used for Proofs. The most interesting variety of this year is the "Compass Point" variety (Briggs 1-A), which shows an unusual void in the center of the reverse, hinting at the central point of a compass.