VERY POPULAR HIGH GRADE 1838-D HALF EAGLE

Variety 1-A.

There are few Dahlonega coins more popular than the 1838-D half eagle. This coin has dual numismatic significance as a first-year-of-issue and a one year type. This gives it strong multiple levels of demand. The 1838-D is not often available in the higher AU grades and I generally offer around one per year in PCGS AU58.

Two things are immediately noticeable about this coin: its extremely bold strike and its very clean surfaces. Both the obverse and reverse are free of all but the slightest small ticks and both sides show nice golden-orange coloration. A "lump" at Liberty's throat is a mint-made clashmark which is visible on many 1838-D half eagles.

There hasn't been a PCGS AU58 1838-D half eagle sold at auction since July 2007. Heritage 3/16: 5069, was graded AU58+ by PCGS and it sold for $32,900.

There are rarer Dahlonega half eagles than the 1838-D but they lack the multiple levels of demand which the 1838-D has. This is an important coin for many different sophisticated collectors and it should become much appreciated by its new owner.