The 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a key piece in U.S. coinage history, particularly for collectors of rare gold coins. Struck at the Dahlonega Mint in Georgia, this $2.50 gold coin was minted during the height of the California Gold Rush. With just 10,945 coins produced, it remains a sought-after item among numismatists.
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Historical Context
The year 1849 was monumental for U.S. coinage. The discovery of gold in California led to an increased demand for gold coins. Two new denominations were introduced: the Gold Dollar and the Double Eagle ($20 coin). The Gold Dollar was intended as an easy-to-carry, everyday coin, while the Double Eagle was introduced for larger transactions.
At the Dahlonega Mint, three types of gold coins were struck in 1849: the Gold Dollar, the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, and the Liberty Head Half Eagle. Of these, the 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle had the lowest mintage, making it particularly rare today.
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Production at Dahlonega Mint in 1849
- Gold Dollar: 21,588 coins
- Liberty Head Quarter Eagle: 10,945 coins
- Liberty Head Half Eagle: 39,036 coins
Interestingly, while the 1849-D Gold Dollar had the highest production, it remains more available in Mint State (uncirculated) condition compared to the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle.
Varieties of the 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle
Two varieties of the 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle exist, differentiated by the placement of the date on the coin’s obverse:
- Low Date (Variety 12-N): The “1” in the date is close to the denticles (the tooth-like edges).
- High Date (Variety 11-N): The date is more centered below the bust of Liberty.
Both varieties share the same reverse design, but many coins show weak denticles on the reverse, which is a characteristic of this year’s minting.
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Market Value and Collector’s Insights
For collectors, the 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a valuable investment. The coin’s rarity, especially in higher grades like Mint State, makes it a prized possession. Coins graded as MS62 by PCGS or NGC can fetch impressive prices at auction, often ranging from $15,000 to over $20,000, depending on the coin’s condition and provenance.
Some notable sales include:
- PCGS MS62: Sold at Heritage Auctions in 2017 for $18,221.90.
- NGC MS62: Sold at Heritage Auctions in 2014 for $18,800.
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Specifications of the 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle
- Country: United States
- Mint: Dahlonega (D Mintmark)
- Mintage: 10,945
- Composition: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
- Weight: 4.18 grams
- Diameter: 18.00 mm
- Designers: Christian Gobrecht (both obverse and reverse)
Final Thoughts
The 1849-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is more than just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or just starting, owning one of these rare coins is a unique opportunity to connect with the past.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.