1839-D Classic Head Quarter Eagle. HM-2. Rarity-4. AU-55 (PCGS). CAC. The 1839-D quarter eagle is a historic and challenging early gold issue. This exceptional AU-55 example exhibits a blend of hard, satiny luster and warm honey-orange color to both sides. The surfaces are uncommonly smooth for the grade and retain bold to sharp striking detail to all design elements. 1839 was the first year of coinage for the denomination at the Dahlonega Mint, the final year of quarter eagle coinage of the design type, and the second of just two years with an obverse mintmark position (the first year, 1838, saw branch mint coinage from only the Charlotte facility). In 1840, Christian Gobrechts Liberty Head design replaced William Kneass short-lived Classic Head motif of 1834 to 1839, and the mintmark position was moved to the reverse die. This 1839-D is from a modest mintage of 13,674 pieces, of which fewer than 300 coins are believed extant in all grades, most of which grade VF or EF. It is a superior example suitable for a specialist. From the Collection of Dr. Frances W. Constable.
