Owner Comments:
1860 P$2 1/2 Quarter Eagle,
Judd-270, Pollock-318,
High R.7, PR64 BN
Ex: Eliasberg/Clapp
Struck in Copper with Reeded Edge
Obverse: The obverse resembles the issued 1865 three cent nickel.
Heritage Obverse Video View
Reverse: The reverse shows the denomination, 2 ½ DOLLARS, and the date within a laurel wreath. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM are absent.
Heritage Reverse Video View
Comment:
A muling of dies having different dates, 1857 and 1860 as illustrated! The obverse is dated 1857 and is similar in style to that later adopted for the nickel three-cent piece and was first used in 1857 for a pattern quarter eagle (a little-known fact to specialists in the nickel three-cent series). The reverse is dated 1860 and has the denomination and the date inscribed within a laurel wreath with prominent raised veins in the leaves.
The reason for striking this issue is unknown. Certainly, no quarter eagles with two different dates were contemplated. Perhaps it was a muling created for numismatists, but if so, only a few’ were made in an era in which larger numbers were usually made of such delicacies. In any event, the obverse die already had a history of muling (see note) by the time it was used again in 1860.
Sharply struck and lightly mirrored with rich mahogany-brown surfaces. Trivial toning spots are evident with hints of faded mint red.
Weight: 37.5 grains. Diameter: 0.700 inch.
Heritage Video Description
Provenance/Appearance:
From The Estate of Charles W. Montgomery, Heritage Nov 2023 Dallas / Lot #3276, Prior
- Ex: J.F. McCabe (S.H. and H. Chapman, 6/1905), lot 96;
- J.M. Clapp; Clapp Estate (Stack's, privately, 1942); Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr.;
- Eliasberg Estate (Bowers and Merena, 5/1996), lot 309;
- American Numismatic Rarities (12/2003), lot 320;
- Superior (5/2004), lot 2206;
- Bowers & Merena Jan 2005 (Rarities Sale) Lot #1412;
- Goldberg Auctions (5/2005), lot 702.