1849-C $2.50 MS62 Certification #-14798, PCGS #7753

Charles Morgan

The Charlotte Mint struck gold coins in three denominations in 1849: the 1849-C Gold Dollar (where the closed wreath type accounts for nearly the entire 11,634-piece mintage, and the open wreath type is fantastically rare), the 1849-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, and the 1849-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. None of the three issues would qualify as a type coin for the mint, but they are all reasonably collectible.

Charlotte Mint Gold Coin Production in 1849

• 1849-C Gold Dollar | Mintage: 11,634
• 1849-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle | Mintage: 10,220
• 1849-C Liberty Head Half Eagle | Mintage: 64,823

The 1849-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was struck using one of three die pairs sent to the Mint from Philadelphia. The total surviving population of the 1849-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is conservatively estimated to be between 125 and 150 examples. Although only two coins are currently listed in the PCGS population report, we estimate one additional  piece (the Duke's Creek coin) may grade as high as PCGS MS64.

The rarity of this coin in high grades is underscored by historical certification records; for instance, the combined all-service census listed just three specimens in Mint State through 2002, a number that gold coin specialist Doug Winter only revised to four examples by 2008. Our analysis of auction appearances over the past two decades further confirms a high stability in the PCGS-graded populations. With Mint State coins commanding a premium, the condition census for this date necessarily dips into the AU58 grade, where a handful of attractive coins—which one might have called "super sliders" at some point—make only occasional auction appearances yet remain relatively affordable.

1849-C Quarter Eagle Die Varieties

A single variety is known:

Variety 1 (Die Marriage: 11-G) On the obverse, the "1" and the "9" in the date are both slightly closer to the denticles than to the bust. The date is very small and shows light repunching in the "49".

The reverse die was used in 1849, 1850, and 1851. Its distinguishing features are:

• The mintmark is large and positioned far to the left, filling the space between the talons and the feathers.
• The serif of the mintmark is close to the branch.
• The mintmark is joined to the talons and is centered over the right edge of the upright of the "1" in the fraction.
• This reverse can be quickly identified by the presence of several short horizontal die scratches running through the vertical stripes in the shield.

Physical Characteristics

(per Doug Winter)

Die rust is visible on the reverse above the olive leaves and below the claws and the arrows. Additionally, several short horizontal die scratches run through the vertical stripes in the shield. Having said that, this date is generally found with a good strike. The obverse is well-detailed except for the curls below "IBE" in LIBERTY, which can be weak. The stars and the obverse denticles are typically sharp. The reverse, however, is always seen with weakness on the eagle’s right leg and, less often, on the feathers around the shield. The reverse border is sharp, featuring bold lettering and full denticles.

Surfaces and Luster

Surfaces: Very few examples are free of heavy abrasions. These marks are typically dense and heavy, a factor often compounded by the fact that most 1849-C Quarter Eagles have been cleaned at some point. Any piece that is relatively free of marks and retains an original appearance is very rare and commands strong demand among date collectors. Luster: The luster is usually subdued and below average. It has a texture that is somewhat grainy, which tends to affect the overall eye appeal. Because so many examples are well-worn or have been cleaned, any 1849-C with good luster is very rare.

Coloration and Eye Appeal

Coloration: Original, uncleaned examples display a very distinctive medium to deep green-gold color. Only a handful of pieces remain that have not been cleaned, dipped, or processed at one time or another.

Eye Appeal: The 1849-C is among the most difficult Charlotte Liberty Head Quarter Eagles to locate with good eye appeal. The typical example is well-worn and marred by numerous surface marks.

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