The 1838-C is among the most sought-after Classic Head half eagles. It is a one-year type and a first-year-of-issue. It is not an especially scarce date but it is extremely difficult to find choice as evidenced by its low populations at both PCGS and CAC. The current population of 1838-C half eagles graded AU55 or AU58 by PCGS stands at nine, while two have been graded in Uncirculated by this service. CAC has approved just three coins in AU55 to AU58, and a single piece in Uncirculated (an MS63+ which I sold in 2020).

There are two varieties of 1838-C half eagle. These are as follows (note that “HM” refers to the variety in the numbering system devised by Daryl Haynor and John McCloskey):

HM-1 (Low R-4): Normal 5 in the date. Always seen with an uncracked reverse. By far the more available of the two varieties.
HM-2 (High R-5); Repunched 5 in the date. Nearly always seen with a heavy diagonal reverse crack which extends rim-to-rim from 1:00 to 7:00.

We know that the reverse die used to strike the HM-2 variety cracked early and cracked dramatically as virtually every known example shows a massive crack. However, a very small number (fewer than five at present count) were struck before the die cracked and there is no evidence of this break.

*1838-C $5.00 PCGS AU55 CAC, image courtesy of PCGS*

I recently handled a lovely PCGS/CAC AU55 1838-C half eagle which was the rarer HM-2 variety, and which shows a perfect reverse. This is but the third example of this early die state that I have ever owned and it is among the best. The coin itself is very original (which is exceptionally uncommon for the issue) with lovely natural color and choice surfaces. What may be the most remarkable thing about this coin, though, is its sharpness of strike. If you examine the photo below, you will notice much sharper detail than normal for this date and even for this variety.

With die varieties of Classic Head gold coinage becoming more popular due to the publication of the Haynor book, specialized collectors often try to acquire both varieties of the 1838-C half eagle. Collecting these issues by die state is another thing altogether but most collectors would appreciate the difference between an early die state and a later die state for the 1838-C HM-2 half eagle.

This coin is now in a specialized eastern collection.

For more information on 1838-C half eagles, Classic Head gold coinage and US gold in general, please feel free to contact me via email at dwn@ont.com.

HALF EAGLES