Owner Comments:
EX Ashland City Collection
Heritage first auctioned this coin in 2003, here's their catalogue description:
Second Finest Known 1844-C Quarter Eagle
The 1844-C is one of the rarest of all Charlotte issues and it is especially difficult to locate in high grades (AU and better). In Uncirculated it is very rare with an estimated four to six pieces known. The original mintage was only 11,662 coins -- a fire broke out in the Charlotte mint on July 28, 1844, forcing mint officials to cease production until early 1846.
Since no gold coins were produced in 1845, the ones dated 1844 saw even heavier usage in the channels of commerce than usual. The striking details on this piece are not as weak as normally seen. The hair curls are individuated and the only real area of weakness is on the eagle's left (facing) leg, as always. The surfaces are bright yellow-gold with portions of satiny luster intermixed with semi-reflectivity in the fields. A splendid example of this rare issue with no mentionable abrasions on either side.
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