Unlike their gold dollar and half eagle counterparts, high grade Dahlonega quarter eagles are very rare. This denomination is extremely hard to find in Uncirculated grades and there are a number of dates, especially the rarities, that are virtually non-existent. That’s why a recent purchase of mine so excites me.

In the first installment of this multi-part feature, I discussed some of the gold dollar issues that are rarely seen with good overall eye appeal. In this, the second part, I am going to look at quarter eagles that do not generally come with good eye appeal. Note that I said “good eye appeal.” This doesn’t mean that I’m focusing on the rarest dates in the series.

Having recently handled a considerable number of impressive Proof gold coins, I’ve been thinking about when a specific coin is worth a premium because of is status as a Deep Cameo (PCGS’ modifier) or Ultra Cameo (NGC’s modifier). After a brief explanation of these terms, I’d like to use a few examples of the coins I’ve sold to illustrate scenarios in which I feel a premium is merited.

I can count on one hand the number of coin shows that, after close to three decades in the business, I still enjoy. The FUN show is one of them. It is well run, well-attended, and even when the market is just so-so, it tends to be an excellent show for me. I’d like to share a few observations about the recently-concluded 2012 FUN show. Unlike the ANA show(s), what I like best about FUN is that it is concise and to the point.

A popular feature of the www.raregoldcoins.com blog is the “what’s hot and what’s not” article that I write at the end of every year. As its the very end of what’s been an interesting and active year, let’s take a look at what was in demand in 2011 and what you, literally, couldn’t give away.

As I was viewing auctions lots for Heritage’s 2012 FUN sale in Dallas the other day, I got to thinking about a topic that I think most gold coin collectors will find interesting: which issues are really hard to find with good eye appeal. I’ve decided to begin a multi-part study of this and the first featured series is gold dollars. Eye appeal is a combination of factors that makes a coin visually pleasing.