1837 $2.50 (1837 Quarter Eagle) NGC MS62. This Classic Head, No Motto 1837 Quarter Eagle has an unusually sharp strike. The hair curls and stars are strong as is the reverse rim. While most quarter eagles of type that are available are in circulated condition, it is unusual to see one in mint state. This one shows not a trace of wear and is a premium quality piece. The coin has bright mint luster in the protected areas of both sides.

The Classic Head Quarter Eagle was minted from 1834 to 1839. Designed by William Kneass, it shows a head of Liberty in profile facing left. She wears a LIBERTY inscribed headband that reveals the curly hair on top of her head, which also flows down her neck. She is surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars, and the date is below. Dentils are around the periphery of the coin. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with its head facing left. In its talons are olive branch and arrows, symbols of peace and preparedness. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc around the eagle, interrupted by the wing tips. The denomination written as 2 D. is below.

Because the gold coinage in circulation was being melted for its gold content, Mint Director Samuel Moore ordered William Kneass to design quarter and half eagles with lower weight and fineness. He also told Kneass to omit the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM on the new quarter and half eagle coins so they would be easily identified as being made with less gold content. This action prevented the older gold coins from being exported, and the public was thus induced to bring them into the Mint for recoinage.

The Classic Head motif chosen by Kneass is a copy of John Reichs Large Cent design of 1808-1814 and the half cents of 1825-1836. The eagle design is also similar to an earlier Reich eagle designed for gold coins.
The 1837 Classic Head quarter eagle in MS62 is a condition rarity. In its population report, NGC shows that this specimen is tied for second best with 17 others with 4 better.