Variety 13-H.

The 1845-D is the second most available Dahlonega half eagle from the 1840′s (after the 1843-D) but it is considerably harder to locate than the common 1853-D and 1854-D. In Uncirculated, the 1845-D is, as one would expect, a rare coin with an estimated dozen or so known, mostly in the MS60 to MS62 range. The unquestioned finest known is a PCGS MS65 which last sold for $80,500 in 2006; it was earlier ex Bass and Norweb.

This frosty, vibrant example has a “freshness” which suggests that it has never been cleaned or dipped. It is well detailed on both the obverse and the reverse and both sides show pleasing natural medium green-gold color which is correct for the issue. The surfaces show some shallow marks, the most noticeable of which is located in the right obverse field.

No PCGS graded MS62 has sold at auction since 2009. In 2012, Heritage sold a choice NGC MS62 for $16,450. There are auction records of close to $15,000 for this date in PCGS MS62 going as far back as 2004.

PCGS has graded only three in MS62 with four better and these figures are likely inflated by resubmissions.

Here is an opportunity for the advanced collector to add a really top-notch Dahlonega half eagle to his type set or an essentially unimprovable example for a date run in this very popular series.