PCGS No: 7725

Mintage:
Circulation strikes: 4,643
Proofs: 0

Designer: Christian Gobrecht

Diameter: ±18 millimeters

Metal content:
Gold - 90%
Other - 10%

Weight: 64.5 grains (4.18 grams)

Edge: Reeded

Mintmark: "D" (for Dahlonega, GA) below the eagle on the reverse

Images courtesy of The Charlottegold Company

Notes:
In any given year, the Mint at Dahlonega, Georgia favored production of the $5 Gold piece (or Half Eagle) over the $2.50 Gold piece (or Quarter Eagle), a decision based most likely on demand for each denomination.  As a result, the 1842-D $2.50 (or Quarter Eagle) has a miniscule mintage of only 4,643 pieces, making it one of the rarest dates in the 1840's.  Most examples seen are Extremely Fine or worse...many show weak strikes on the high points.  About Uncirculated examples are very rare and no Uncirculated examples are known. 

The finest examples graded by PCGS are 6 AU-58's.

Significant examples:
NGC AU-55.  Ex – American Numismatic Rarities, LLC’s “The Classics Sale,” July 25, 2003 , Lot

PCGS AU-55.  Ex - Ira & Larry Goldberg Coin & Collectibles' "The Fairchild Family Trust Collection Sale", May 28-30, 2001, Lot 1240, illustrated, sold for $9,775.00

NGC AU-55.  Ex - Bowers & Merena Galleries' "The Rarities Sale", January 3, 2001, Lot 436, illustrated, not sold

PCGS AU-53 (illustrated above).  Sold as part of the "North Georgia Collection" of Southern Gold coins in January, 1999 by Heritage Numismatic Auctions.

PCGS AU-50.  Sold as part of the "North Georgia Collection" of Southern Gold coins in January, 1999 by Heritage Numismatic Auctions.

Recent appearances:
NGC EF-45.  Ex - Heritage Numismatic Auctions, Inc.'s, "Summer 2001 Long Beach Signature Sale", May 31-June 2, 2001, Lot 8843, not plated, sold for $3,450.00  From the Clyde Godfrey Collection

Sources and/or recommended reading:
"Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins" by Walter Breen

"The PCGS Population Report, April 2004" by The Professional Coin Grading Service