Medium D mintmark; Variety 46-GG.

For most collectors, the 1860-D is the final year of issue for the Dahlonega half eagle series. This issue is a bit less rare overall than its low mintage of 14,635 would suggest but it is very rare in Uncirculated with around 10 to 12 known, most of which are in the MS60 to MS62 range. The finest known is a PCGS MS64, ex Duke’s Creek collection, which sold for $49,500 all the way back in May 1995.

This fresh-to-the-market example has especially attractive natural deep golden color with slightly deeper highlights on the relief details. The strike is typical for the date with some weakness seen at the centers. The obverse is choice and grades at least an MS62+ on its own; the reverse shows some light scattered ticks in the fields. A tiny grease stain hanging down from star 5 on the obverse serves as ready identification.

Two PCGS MS62 examples of this date have sold at auction in 2014. One realized $14,100 in Heritage 3/14 sale while the other brought $14,032 in the Great Collections 2/14 sale. Neither of these two were as choice as the present example, in my opinion.

This is a very pleasing, totally original 1860-D half eagle which likely qualifies in the tail end of the Condition Census.

The PCGS population figure of 14 graded in MS62 is likely well inflated by resubmissions.