The 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a notable coin for collectors due to its unique history and characteristics. Minted at the Dahlonega Mint, this coin represents an important era in American gold coinage. This guide provides detailed insights into its features, market data, and notable specimens.
The 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is a gold coin with a rich history, minted when gold was a vital part of the American economy. The Dahlonega Mint, known for its high-quality coinage, produced this coin with distinctive features and in a relatively small quantity, making it a fascinating subject for numismatists.
Unique Features of the 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle
Obverse Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Raised Curved Mark | A curved mark appears on Lady Liberty’s cheek, to the right of the nostril. |
| Recut Date | The “847” in the date has been recut. As the die state progresses, the recutting becomes less visible. |
| Die Scratch | A die scratch extends from star two to star three. |
Reverse Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mintmark Position | The “D” mintmark touches the branch and overlaps the arrow fletching. |
| Die Usage | This reverse die was used to strike Dahlonega Liberty Head Quarter Eagles until 1859. |
Market Data and Noteworthy Specimens
Market Data
David Akers, a prominent gold coin expert, estimated the surviving population of the 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle at 54. However, as of August 2024, CAC, NGC, and PCGS report a total of 349 grading events. Here’s a breakdown of grading events in Mint State:
| Grade | Number of Grading Events |
|---|---|
| MS62 | 8 |
| MS63 | 4 |
| MS64 | 12 |
| MS65 | 20 |
Noteworthy Specimens
| Coin Type | Grading Service | Auction Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NGC MS65 | Heritage Auctions | Leon Farmer Collection; April 2006, Lot 1504 – $74,750 | $74,750 |
| PCGS MS64 | Stack’s, May 1970 | “The DiBello Collection”; Stanley Kesselman; October 1999, Lot 405 – $34,500 | $34,500 |
| PCGS MS63 | Heritage Auctions | “The Ashland City Collection”; January 2003, Lot 4680 – $17,250 | $17,250 |
| NGC MS62+ CAC | Stack’s Bowers | November 2022, Lot 5073 – $24,000 | $24,000 |
| PCGS MS62 | Heritage Auctions | August 2010, Lot 3419 – $11,500 | $11,500 |
Specifications of the 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle
Here are the essential specifications for the 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | United States of America |
| Year of Issue | 1847 |
| Denomination | Two Dollars and Fifty Cents |
| Mintmark | D (Dahlonega) |
| Mintage | 15,784 |
| Alloy | .900 Gold, .100 Copper |
| Weight | 4.18 grams |
| Diameter | 18.00 mm |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Obverse Designer | Christian Gobrecht |
| Reverse Designer | Christian Gobrecht |
| Quality | Business Strike |
Conclusion
The 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle remains a prized piece for collectors due to its historical significance and unique features. With a limited number of surviving coins in various grades, it holds a special place in American coinage history. Understanding the coin’s characteristics and market value is essential for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to gold coin collecting.
FAQ’s
What makes the 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle special?
The 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle is notable for its minting at the Dahlonega Mint and its distinct features, including a raised curved mark on Lady Liberty’s cheek and a unique die scratch. Its limited mintage of 15,784 coins adds to its rarity and value among collectors.
How many 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagles have been graded?
As of August 2024, there are a total of 349 grading events reported by CAC, NGC, and PCGS, including various grades from MS62 to MS65. This number includes resubmissions and crossovers.
What are the key specifications of the 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle?
The coin has a weight of 4.18 grams, a diameter of 18.00 mm, and is composed of .900 gold and .100 copper. It features a reeded edge and was designed by Christian Gobrecht.
