1847-D $2.50 (Regular Strike)

The Dahlonega Mint saw an improvement in the quality of its coinage with the 1847-D Liberty Head Quarter Eagle. Although three die pairs were sent to the Georgia branch mint, only 15,784 examples were struck, and Doug Winter has identified only one die variety for the issue. This single die marriage is identified by several characteristics: Mint State examples show a raised, curved mark on Lady Liberty’s cheek to the right of the nostril, and the "847" of the date shows evidence of recutting, though the recutting on the "8" becomes less discernible in later die states.The obverse also has a die scratch that runs from star two to star three.

On the reverse, the "D" mintmark touches the branch and is positioned over the arrow fletching. Notably, this durable reverse die had a long service life, being reused to strike Dahlonega Liberty Head Quarter Eagles through 1859.

The surviving population of the issue is significantly higher than early estimates. In 1975, David Akers estimated a population of just 54 pieces in his comprehensive study, United States Gold Coins, An Analysis of Auction Records, Volume I. However, forty years of coin certification data indicate the true number of surviving examples likely exceeds 200. Doug Winter considers the 1847-D a good choice for the Dahlonega type because, compared to other Dahlonega quarter eagles, it can be located with relative ease in Very Fine (VF) and Extremely Fine (XF) grades. About Uncirculated (AU) examples are also available.

Technical Characteristics of the 1847-D Quarter Eagle Strike

(per Doug Winter)

This date is typically found with an average-quality strike, where the obverse usually appears softer than the reverse.

• Obverse Weakness: Central weakness is notable on the eyebrow, the curls near the ear and eye, the back of the hair, and the edge of the bun. The border, however, shows sharper detail, with the stars nearly fully defined at their radial lines. The denticles are mostly sharp, though they sometimes appear weaker on the lower right side than on the left.
• Reverse Strength: The reverse is typically very sharply detailed. All feather detail is bold, with the occasional exception of the eagle’s right leg, which may not be fully struck. The lettering and denticles are both very sharp.

Surfaces and Luster

While the 1847-D quarter eagle can be found with relatively clean, smooth surfaces, the typical example exhibits scattered marks in the fields.

• Surfaces: Clash marks are occasionally visible on the upper reverse. Mint-made die scratches (which may be confused with post-mint scratches) can be seen at the "D" in UNITED and extending through the right wing tip to the "ST" in STATES.
• Luster: High-grade, uncleaned pieces often display average-quality frosty luster. A few examples are known with exceptional luster, and these are highly coveted by both date and type collectors.

Coloration and Eye Appeal

• Coloration: Original, uncleaned examples exhibit a range of coloration, including orange-gold to deep coppery-orange hues. While some of the prettiest Dahlonega quarter eagles I have ever seen are dated 1847-D, the typical piece is bright as a result of having been cleaned or dipped.
• Eye Appeal: The overall level of eye appeal is considered slightly above average. A pleasing coin with sharp details, clean surfaces, and decent color can be located with patience.

Doug Winter on the Duke's Creek 1847-D

"The 1847-D in the Duke’s Creek Collection is the single best Dahlonega Liberty Head Quarter Eagle I have ever seen, and I have long regarded it as a Gem. The 1847-D in the Green Pond Collection, is the single prettiest Dahlonega quarter eagle I have encountered. It features truly superb, deep reddish-gold and orange-green color."

* * *