1846-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. Unc Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).

1846-C Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. Unc Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).，An overall sharp strike and light olive-gold patina enhance the appearance of this rare Mint State 1846-C quarter eagle. There are few sizable abrasions on either side, but the surfaces exhibit a matte-like texture that explains the NGC qualifier. A loupe reveals considerable evidence of die rust around the obverse periphery, especially in the date area, a feature for which all 1846-C quarter eagles are known. By 1844 the coinage of the Charlotte Mint had finally supplanted the privately minted pieces from the Bechtler family as the preferred medium of exchange in the local economy of North Carolina and surrounding regions. Unfortunately, a devastating fire at the Charlotte facility on July 22, 1844, halted coinage operations until October 1846, and no 1845-C quarter eagles or half eagles were struck. When the Mint resumed operations it only delivered 4,808 quarter eagles in that year. With such a limited mintage, the 1846-C is one of the rarest Charlotte Mint quarter eagles. Mint State survivors are few and far between in numismatic circles, underscoring the significance of the present offering for advanced Southern gold enthusiasts.，From the A.J. Vanderbilt Collection. Earlier from Paramounts ANA Sale of August 1972, lot 2513. Lot tag included.，