An 1855 Coronet gold quarter eagle of the type, which was graded MS63 by Numismatic Guarantee Co., was sold at Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ August 19 auction for $26,400. A second example of this type, also broad struck, is found in the book 100 greatest error coins. This confirms the desire for this error.
The auctioneer stated, “Failing in proper seating itself within the collar. The planchet upon which this 1855 quarter-eagle was struck instead laid atop it.” He added, “The resulting impressions from the dies, while imparting all design elements with full detail, caused the planchet’s spread out. This is best evident as crescents along the upper left reverse and lower left obverse.
These surfaces were described as being particularly attractive with semi-reflective areas and “both sides covered in vivid yellow color.”