1855-C $2.50 (1855-C Quarter Eagle) NGC AU55 CAC. Southern gold while almost always having a steady base of coin collectors to support it, has recently become extremely popular. However, collectors who specialize in this interesting and truly scarce ( in general ) area of gold coins have learned that many pieces are cleaned, dipped or otherwise mishandled since they were struck in the 19th century. Original pieces, in any grade, are extremely hard to find.

The present piece is one of these very few remaining original coins, and is also a rare date. The 1855-C quarter eagle had a total mintage of just 3,677 pieces, of which an estimated 85 to 100 pieces are thought to remain to exist in all grades. Of these, approximately five or six pieces are known in uncirculated, and it can be assumed that some of these could possibly be upgraded AU specimens. Whatever the true number of pieces in those grades is, the number is extremely small and examples are seldom available in original condition. A limited number of fresh pieces have come into the market in recent times, but these have all been readily absorbed into the overall coin market.

The limited number of gold pieces produced of this date is the lowest mintage for all Charlotte quarter eagles. It is also the most difficult to find as certain imperfections that are a part of this rare gold coin are produced from the Charlotte Mint, with planchet and striking problems being more the rule than the exception. Although the present piece is somewhat weakly struck, it is much better than average and is totally free from the commonly found planchet problems. As a result, it is one of the choicest pieces available of this issue.As previously mentioned this coin is totally original and boasts exceptional eye-appeal.

Both sides are naturally toned to a wonderful orange-gold color, with green highlights featured as well. Satiny luster is seen on both sides, only impaired at the highest points. Except for a few tiny marks from circulation no distracting marks or hits are noted on either side, making this an exceptional and choice example of this rare Charlotte gold issue. This has been re-confirmed by the approval of CAC ( Collectors Acceptance Corporation )