Lot 8
8
$2½, 1843-O Small Date, Crosslet 4. EF-40 (PCGS). Light yellow gold surfaces. Minor rim marks outside star 13 define clear incuse reverse letters AME, most likely the result of this coin being in a collision with another coin, an interesting "addition" on the outer rim, not affecting the dentils or design elements. An intriguing item for numismatic study. These and other smaller denomination coins were probably "passenger gold" carried aboard by travelers and not part of bulk gold shipments aboard the vessel.
$2½, 1843-O Small Date, Crosslet 4. EF-40 (PCGS). Light yellow gold surfaces. Minor rim marks outside star 13 define clear incuse reverse letters AME, most likely the result of this coin being in a collision with another coin, an interesting "addition" on the outer rim, not affecting the dentils or design elements. An intriguing item for numismatic study. These and other smaller denomination coins were probably "passenger gold" carried aboard by travelers and not part of bulk gold shipments aboard the vessel.

Details
$2½, 1843-O Small Date, Crosslet 4. EF-40 (PCGS). Light yellow gold surfaces. Minor rim marks outside star 13 define clear incuse reverse letters AME, most likely the result of this coin being in a collision with another coin, an interesting "addition" on the outer rim, not affecting the dentils or design elements. An intriguing item for numismatic study. These and other smaller denomination coins were probably "passenger gold" carried aboard by travelers and not part of bulk gold shipments aboard the vessel.
Further details
This is the only example of this issue certified by PCGS as part of the S.S. Central America treasure. Liberty Head design by Christian Gobrecht, as introduced in the quarter eagle series in 1840 and continued until 1907. The New Orleans Mint opened in 1838 and continued in operation intermittently through 1909. Quarter eagles were struck there before the Civil War.