Another Dirty Gold Coin™ thread-- the 1851-O Quarter Eagle and die varieties
Longacre
Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
Attached below is a picture of a coin that I purchased from Doug Winter. I have been going through my vast collection and matching my coins up with the information that is contained in the new edition of Winter’s New Orleans book. I know that no one in the world collects quarter eagles, and even fewer people collect New Orleans quarter eagles. I think they are neat. For this date, here are some excerpts from Winter’s book:
(1) Surfaces: most 1851-O quarter eagles have numerous marks in the fields. I have seen a number that have had scratches. Others show mint-made discoloration, usually around the obverse periphery.
(2) Coloration: coloration on this date ranges from rich orange-gold to deep green gold hues. There are some higher graded examples known that display very attractive color. Many have been cleaned or dipped and no longer display their original shadings.
(3) Eye appeal: the level of eye appeal seen on the 1851-O quarter eagles varies greatly. The typical coin is irregularly struck, shows a number of marks on the surfaces, and has been dipped. There are a small number of comparatively high grade examples that are very attractive with good luster and surfaces.
(4) Die varieties:
(a) Variety One: Doubled date. Early die states show significant doubling on all four digits of the date. The date was first punched too low and leaning down toward the left. The doubling fades to the point where it can only be seen below the final 1. … The mint mark is high but does not touch the olive branch or the talons. A small point of the feather enters the mintmark. Early die states show clash marks on the reverse; on later states it appears that the reverse was lapped to remove the clash marks.
(b) Variety Two: the date is somewhat lower than on Variety One with no doubling. The first 1 touches the base of the neck while the base of this digit is free of the denticles. There is some bulging of the die at the final two stars. The mint mark seems very similar to that seen on Variety One, but according to Harry Bass it was minutely different.
Estimated Populations in AU (this coin): 33-38 pieces
Unfortunately I don’t have the coin in front of me right now, so I can’t tell if the date is doubled. I don’t recall having the Variety One coin, but I could be wrong. Based on the pictures (which are not the best), it seems that Variety 2 is more likely, but the first 1 does not look like it touches the neck. Any thoughts?
(1) Surfaces: most 1851-O quarter eagles have numerous marks in the fields. I have seen a number that have had scratches. Others show mint-made discoloration, usually around the obverse periphery.
(2) Coloration: coloration on this date ranges from rich orange-gold to deep green gold hues. There are some higher graded examples known that display very attractive color. Many have been cleaned or dipped and no longer display their original shadings.
(3) Eye appeal: the level of eye appeal seen on the 1851-O quarter eagles varies greatly. The typical coin is irregularly struck, shows a number of marks on the surfaces, and has been dipped. There are a small number of comparatively high grade examples that are very attractive with good luster and surfaces.
(4) Die varieties:
(a) Variety One: Doubled date. Early die states show significant doubling on all four digits of the date. The date was first punched too low and leaning down toward the left. The doubling fades to the point where it can only be seen below the final 1. … The mint mark is high but does not touch the olive branch or the talons. A small point of the feather enters the mintmark. Early die states show clash marks on the reverse; on later states it appears that the reverse was lapped to remove the clash marks.
(b) Variety Two: the date is somewhat lower than on Variety One with no doubling. The first 1 touches the base of the neck while the base of this digit is free of the denticles. There is some bulging of the die at the final two stars. The mint mark seems very similar to that seen on Variety One, but according to Harry Bass it was minutely different.
Estimated Populations in AU (this coin): 33-38 pieces
Unfortunately I don’t have the coin in front of me right now, so I can’t tell if the date is doubled. I don’t recall having the Variety One coin, but I could be wrong. Based on the pictures (which are not the best), it seems that Variety 2 is more likely, but the first 1 does not look like it touches the neck. Any thoughts?
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
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Comments
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
<< <i>Not one comment? The pic isn't the best, but hopefully this thread contains decent info for someone. >>
Geez Longacre, if I read everything you wrote on this forum I would have no time for a life.