Small Date variety, designated by PCGS.

Variety 7-E.

The 1842-D Small Date is the more available of the two varieties of half eagle produced at the Dahlonega mint during this year. An estimated 43,784 were struck of which around 300 are known today, mostly in the VF-EF range. AU examples are scarce and this date is very rare in Uncirculated with fewer than ten known.

This sharply detailed example shows above-average overall detail on both sides. The obverse is very lustrous and choice with nice light yellowish-green gold color; the reverse is a touch less lustrous but it lacks the deep, detracting marks seen on most pieces. A small crescent-shaped mark on Liberty’s neck serves as identification.

The only PCGS AU55 to sell at auction since January 2007 brought $3,995 as Heritage 10/15: 3518 and was, in my opinion, far less choice than the piece offered here.

This is the best available quality for this variety at under $5,000 and it should fir nicely into a high quality set of circulated D Mint fives.