On September 28, 2025, GreatCollections will auction one of the most mysterious and desirable coins in American numismatics, the 1841 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, better known as the “Little Princess.”
For decades, this coin was believed to exist only as a Proof issue. But numismatic research over the years has revealed a more complex story, making the 1841 Quarter Eagle one of the most enigmatic and coveted coins in U.S. coinage history.
The Enigma of the 1841 Quarter Eagle
The 1841 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle was long thought to be a Proof-only issue, with fewer than 20 examples known. But not every surviving specimen looked like a traditional Proof of the era. Some appeared more like circulation strikes, leading experts to question the long-held assumption.
Noted gold coin specialist Doug Winter wrote in 2007:
“Numismatic tradition states that around twenty 1841 Quarter Eagles were struck, all as Proofs. Numismatic tradition, in this case, is wrong.”
In 2012, PCGS confirmed that position by announcing that it would certify coins as either Proofs or circulation strikes, based on careful review by graders and experts.
Adding to the mystery, the U.S. Mint left no surviving records of 1841 Quarter Eagle production. Collectors are left with only a handful of coins, appearing rarely at auction, to piece together the story.
The Finest Known Circulation Strike Offered
The coin now being offered by GreatCollections is certified PCGS MS61 and is considered the finest known circulation strike of the 1841 Quarter Eagle.
Key details of this coin include:
- Full details on Liberty’s portrait
- Complete star radials
- Sharp eagle feathers and shield lines
- Crisp denticles around the rim
While the coin does show crosshatched abrasions in the fields (explaining the grade of MS61), it is still a remarkably sharp and historic piece. This coin is also the famous Norweb specimen, one of only two examples certified in Mint State by PCGS.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Unveils 2025 Global Showcase Rarities Night
Comparisons and Market Value
The only other Mint State 1841 Quarter Eagle certified by PCGS is graded MS60 CMQ. That coin sold for $288,000 at a Stack’s Bowers auction in March 2024.
Given its higher grade and provenance, the Norweb coin now offered by GreatCollections is expected to attract strong bidding from collectors of rare U.S. gold.
The Liberty Head Quarter Eagle Series
Completing a full set of Liberty Head Quarter Eagles is a challenge, even for advanced collectors. Yet, not all dates are prohibitively rare or expensive.
Some affordable issues include:
- 1851, 1852-C, 1853, and 1873 – reasonably priced in grades up to MS63
- 1897 to 1907 issues – often available for under $1,000 in grades up to MS64
This makes the series appealing to both casual collectors and specialists. Still, the 1841 “Little Princess” stands apart as a legendary rarity.
GreatCollections and Coin Auctions
GreatCollections has built a strong reputation in the numismatic world, offering thousands of high-quality collector coins, including top-population rarities. Collectors can explore their auction archives of over 600,000 certified coins and notes to see past sales, prices realized, and notable pieces.
Conclusion
The 1841 “Little Princess” Liberty Head Quarter Eagle remains one of the great mysteries of U.S. coinage. Its uncertain origins, Proof vs. circulation strike debate, and extreme rarity make it a centrepiece in American numismatic history.
With the finest known circulation strike now heading to auction, collectors will have a rare chance to own a coin that blends history, intrigue, and beauty into a single gold piece.