If I had to list my favorite United States gold coins, the 1845-O quarter eagle would be at the top of the list. This is an issue that I like for a variety of reasons. It’s rare, it’s enigmatic and it has an interesting numismatic background. After striking a comparatively large number of quarter eagles in 1843, the New Orleans mint did not produce any in 1844.   
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About a year ago, I chanced upon a few coin dealers sitting in a hotel lobby bar after a long day at a convention. When coin dealers gather in small groups, their conversation often turns to–surprise, surprise–coins. The conversation this evening was an interesting one: what were their very favorite United States coins. I recently remembered this late night conversation and thought it would be an interesting topic for an article.   
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