1824/1 $2.5 MS62 PCGS EX GARRETT

The 1824/1 Capped Head Left quarter eagle is one of the most historically significant early gold issues in the entire quarter eagle series, blending rarity, presidential-era context, and fascinating die reuse into a single compelling offering. Struck in 1824—the pivotal election year that elevated John Quincy Adams to the presidency following one of the most contested elections in American history—this coin was produced during a formative period for the young United States, when gold coinage remained a practical medium for banking, international trade, and larger domestic transactions rather than everyday circulation. Its famous 1824/1 overdate was created when the Philadelphia Mint repurposed an unused 1821 obverse die. Visually, both sides offer rich yellow-gold surfaces with warm orange-gold accents and strong satiny luster, much of it enlivened by extensive die-polishing lines that remain visible across the fields. The surfaces remain notably wholesome for an MS62 early gold issue which blend naturally into the luminous texture. With an original mintage of just 2,600 pieces—the second-lowest of the type after the famed 1826/'6'—this issue has long held an important place in advanced early gold cabinets, yet true Mint State examples remain decidedly rare. The present coin’s status as the only graded Pop 1 PCGS MS62 example with just six finer, combined with the absence of recent auction appearances in this exact grade and a PCGS Price Guide value of $80,000, positions it as an exceptional opportunity for the specialist in early U.S. gold, overdates, and historically rich presidential-era coinage. Bear in mind half a grade up in MS62+ and this coin commands a PCGS Price Guide of $135,000. With an exceptionally low mintage and an estimated survival of only 52 examples, this issue ranks among the rarest and most desirable within the series.

Pedigree:

ex Garrett Collection, lot 744. 11/1979, Bowers & Ruddy

ex believed to have been obtained from T. Harrison Garrett in the 19th century

PCGS Cert Verification #38453156