1856-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. Winter-1, the only known dies. VF-35 (PCGS).Warm honey-gold patina with glints of champagne-pink iridescence here and there around the peripheries. Striking quality is typical of this challenging issue, the obverse overall soft but the reverse appreciably bolder with some sharper detail remaining in the recesses despite the presence of moderate wear. As well, the obverse is microgranular, as made, this feature further confirming the 1856-C as one of the most poorly produced issues in the Charlotte Mint quarter eagle series. It is also one of the most elusive, survivors from a mintage of 7,913 coins ranking behind only those of the 1843-C Small Date and 1855-C in rarity. This is a solid mid-grade example with much to offer the astute Southern gold enthusiast.From the Maurice Snow Collection. Acquired from Harry J. Forman, November 25, 1981.
