RARE CHOICE AU 1851-D HALF EAGLE WITH CAC APPROVAL

Variety 31-V; sharp mintmark.

While not well-known, the 1851-D is actually the third rarest Dahlonega half eagle in higher grades, trailing only the 1842-D Large Date and the 1861-D. Properly graded AU58's are legitimately rare and only four or five exist in Uncirculated.

This piece shows light wear only and is characterized by attractive natural light green color. The strike is a bit weak as is usual for this date but, luckily, the mintmark is bold. The major areas of weakness are the obverse center (especially the hair below LIBERTY) and the corresponding area on the reverse.

The last NGC AU58 1851-D half eagle to sell at auction brought $5,520 in March 2018 and it was not approved by CAC. A PCGS AU58, also non-CAC, brought $6,000 in June 2019. No CAC approved AU58 from either service has sold at auction.

For all intents and purposes, this is the best available quality for the date.

CAC has approved two in AU58 with one finer.

From the Indian Rocks Beach Collection

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