1844-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. Winter 5-J. MS-62 (PCGS). Subtle rose highlights blend with dominant deep olive-orange color on both sides of this handsome piece. Satiny in texture and quite lustrous for a Dahlonega Mint gold coin, this significant condition rarity also exhibits exceptionally full striking detail throughout the design. Such pieces are especially sought after by specialists who recognize that only 15 to 20% of 1844-D quarter eagles are well produced. As evidenced by many of the other superior coins in this collection, our consignor sought the finest obtainable, and this piece is no exception. With strong eye appeal and the always noteworthy Bass provenance, this is certainly a coin that merits a premium bid.<p>The scarcer of the two known die marriages of this issue, Doug Winter (2013) observes that "for every example seen of 5-J, perhaps two are seen of 5-I." The former variety is readily attributable by the fact that the lowest arrow feather does not enter the opening of the D mintmark. PCGS# 7736. NGC ID: 25GV. PCGS Population: 8; 5 finer (MS-63 finest). Ex Superiors sale of February 1975, Part III, lot 1004; Harry W. Bass, Jr.; our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part IV, November 2000, lot 150; Green Pond Collection; Heritages sale of the Green Pond Collection, August 2001, lot 7608; Doug Winter, March 2002, to the following; our sale of the Stephen Winthrop Collection, February 2015 Americana Sale, lot 2070.
