1856-S Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. MS-62 (PCGS). This lovely and rare Mint State two-and-a-half is highly lustrous with a frosty to modestly semi-prooflike finish. The dies also imparted sharp to full detail throughout the design, the entire package dressed in vivid pinkish-gold patina that provides strong visual appeal. With the 1854-S a legendary rarity and no quarter eagles struck in the West Coast mint in 1855, the 1856-S is the first collectible issue of this denomination from the San Francisco Mint. Most collectors will have to settle for a circulated example and, indeed, the nearly insatiable need for coinage in California claiming most of the 72,120 coins produced. This is a conditionally rare Mint State survivor with much to recommend it to the advanced gold enthusiast. Acquired from Harry J. Forman, December 22, 1980; our sale of the Maurice Snow Collection, August 2019, lot 2062.
