Only 1,000 were produced in the business strike format and a few hundred survive with most in the lower Uncirculated grades. Beginning with the MS64 level, this issue becomes extremely scarce and Gems are very rare with probably no more than half a dozen or so properly grade examples known.

This is a very choice example for the date and grade with lovely rose and orange-gold coloration accentuated by subtle green-gold flashes. The surfaces are less abraded than usual and the luster is thick, frosty and unmolested. Unlike some of the other New Orleans eagles from this era, the 1893-O is nearly impossible to find in grades higher than MS62 and this is one of the nicer ones that I’ve handled all year.

In higher grades the 1856-O is the third scarcest New Orleans quarter eagle trailing only the 1845-O and the 1843-O Large Date. It is an extremely hard issue to locate in properly graded AU58 and I can’t remember seeing more than a handful that had the eye appeal of this example. This coin is totally original with lovely deep orange-gold and greenish hues that are similarly blended on the obverse and reverse.

Housed in an old NGC “fatty” holder and at least an AU58 by today’s standards but net graded as a result of a thin old scratch on the reverse. Only 5,925 were struck and few survivors exist in circulated grades. You’ll likely not have many other chances to buy a non-problem slabbed 1869 gold dollar for $650 again!

I haven’t done much with Carson City double eagles (a market that, more than nearly anyone else, I helped to create) due to the fact that most of the coins I see in holders are yucky and price levels no longer justify the rarity levels of these issues. But I like choice, affordable CC double eagles and I just couldn’t resist purchasing this dirty, crusty 1889-CC.

The 1842-D is one of the six Dahlonega quarter eagles that can be classified as truly scarce to truly rare. Of these six, it is the most affordable but it is an extremely hard date to locate in affordable collector grades, especially with good eye appeal. This Choice VF has the look and detail of most Dahlonega quarter eagles graded EF. It has pleasing medium to deep natural orange-gold and greenish color and nearly flawless surfaces.