GEM AU 1838-D HALF EAGLE WITH CAC APPROVAL

While certainly not “rare” from the standpoint of total known, really nice 1838-D half eagles—whether they grade VF25 or MS62—are extremely challenging to locate. They are also incredibly popular as befits an issue with the dual distinction of being the very first coin struck at the newly-opened Dahlonega mint as well as a one-year type which features the popular Classic Head design. Well over 90% of the remaining examples of this date have been cleaned (some repeatedly) and countless others have lost battles in dealer’s chemistry labs.

This coin is 100% fresh to the market and I purchased it raw from a small auction. It is extremely conservatively graded. I called it “AU53 shot AU55” when I first saw it, and I still feel strongly that this is the case. I sent it to PCGS just once and due to the holiday slowdown at PCGS, I didn’t have the patience to submit it a second (or third) time. It is completely natural in appearance with medium russet colors seen on both sides. There is a good deal of underlying luster and excellent overall detail. Some natural dirt can be seen around star twelve at the denticles and there is a cluster of small, shallow marks at the back of Liberty’s jaw. The surfaces are far cleaner than normal and I think this is the nicest 1838-D half eagle that I’ve offered in some time.

There are just two APR’s for this date and they are actually for the exact same coin : the first appearance was at $24,000 (SB 2022 ANA: 6078) and the second at $22,200 (SB 2023 ANA: 4056). My coin absolutely blows the doors off this other piece.

CAC has approved three in this grade with 11 finer.

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