1845-D $5.00 NGC MS63

In recent years, the number of really high grade (MS63 and above) Dahlonega half eagles that have been available to collectors of this series have been minimal, to say the least. This paucity of coins means that there are many type collectors waiting for a high grade coin such for their set. This lovely 1845-D has exquisite deep green-gold color which is illuminated by rich underlying frost. The obverse has a texture that is actually a bit semi-prooflike while the reverse is more normal for the issue with swirls of deep frosty texture. The strike is very sharp for the issue and this coin has the naked-eye appearance of a Gem. There is a very faint obverse planchet impurity that begins at the rim outside of the third star and it runs into the throat area. Other than this, the surfaces are very clean. As a date, the 1845-D is among the more available half eagles from this mint but it is rare in Uncirculated with around a dozen known. The finest is a PCGS MS65 that is ex Bass II: 948 (at $57,500) and Norweb I: 817 (where it broguht an amazing $66,000 in 1987!). There are a few other really nice pieces including the Duke's Creek coin, the Milas coin and the Green Pond coin, all of which grade MS63 to MS64. The present example is undoubtedly in the Condition Census for the issue and I think it is the single best Dahlonega half eagle of any date currently available to collectors.