1844-C LIBERTY HEAD $2.5 MS61

LUSTROUS SURFACES. JUST THREE COINS GRADED HIGHER AT PCGS. Similar in overall rarity to the 1838-C, 1854-C and 1856-C, the 1844-C (11,662 pieces produced) is more challenging to locate in high grades than all other C-mint Quarter Eagles with the exception of only the 1841-C, 1842-C and 1846-C. A fire in the Charlotte Mint on July 28, 1844 halted production through early 1846, the lack of an 1845-C delivery probably helping to explain why the '44-C is so rare in AU and Mint State. Another reason why this issue probably saw heavier circulation than normal is waning public confidence in the privately issued gold coinage of the Bechtlers. Indeed, 1844 was one of the earliest years during which C-mint gold served as the favored medium of exchange in North Carolina and other areas of Lower Appalachia.