1853-D $2.50 NGC AU58

One of just 3,178 examples struck and one of the scarcer issues in the Dahlonega quarter eagle series with fewer than 100 known to exist in all grades. This coin shows a good deal of "body" with unusual semi-prooflike fields on the obverse and, to a lesser extent, on the reverse. There is minimal wear seen below splashes of reddish-gold color and not much actual wear can be detected on the high spots. The only mark worthy of mention is a small obverse dig before the eighth star; the reverse is clean and choice. Weakness of strike at the lower portion of the devices on the reverse is commonly seen on this issue. This date is very rare in Uncirculated and with MS60 Trends at $17,000, the value of this nice slider example seems obvious to me.