EXCEPTIONAL PCGS/CAC AU53 1838-D HALF EAGLE

Variety 1-A.

The 1838-D half eagle is among the most popular issues of any denomination from this mint. It is the very first Dahlonega half eagle and it is a one-year type employing the Classic Head design. It isn't technically a rare coin in the lower to middle AU grades but very few survivors in this range are original with natural color and choice surfaces.

This is one of the most aesthetically appealing circulated 1838-D half eagles I have seen and it is significantly finer than examples which have sold in AU55 holders. It is very natural in appearance with attractive deep russet toning with rich golden-orange undertones. The strike is sharp and the surfaces are very clean with just a few shallow old contact marks seen in the obverse fields.

No PCGS AU53 1838-D half eagle has sold at auction since 2012 and in October of that year, Heritage offered a shiny example which still realized $14,100. A reasonably nice but non-CAC PCGS AU55 brought a very solid $25,850 as Heritage 4/17: 4271.

This is an issue with strong multiple levels of demand and I have a difficult time imagining a nicer mid-grade AU 1838-D half eagle becoming available any time soon.

CAC has approved 3 in this grade with 6 finer.

FROM THE RYK "DOG" COLLECTION.