1849 Mint Set with Gold

While the 1849 copper and silver Mint Set contains no great rarities, several of the "O" mint silver issues are quite scarce. The Quarter in particular is a condition rarity, with only a couple of pieces known in Mint State. The New Orleans Half Dime and Dime are also scarce in Mint State, though not as scarce as the Quarter. This year also marked the return of the circulation strike Half Cent, which had been suspended in 1835. Only Proofs were struck from 1840 through 1848. Several well-known 20th century collectors built 1849 Mint Sets including William Dunham, Waldo Newcomer and John Jay Pittman. The year also marked the first "new" coin since 1796. The Gold Dollar appeared this year, and an auspicious start it was, being struck at no fewer than four different mints. As one might guess, the "C" and "D" mint issues are the scarcest, but they are available even in Mint State for a high four figure to low five figure price. The Charlotte and Dahlonega Quarter and Half Eagles are tough coin especially in Mint State, as is the 1849-O Eagle. Most MS examples are low end, and have populations of fewer than half a dozen pieces.

Notes: This set has bonuses. Please see the Set Composition for a listing.