McCloskey 2-B. Small Arrows, Large 5.

1838 is the final year in which the Classic Head Half Eagle design was produced. The Philadelphia coinage is far more available than its Charlotte and Dahlonega counterparts but the 1838-P half eagle is not easy to find in properly graded AU58 and is somewhat scarce in Uncirculated. Very few 1838 half eagles have survived without having been cleaned or dipped.

This lovely slider shows attractive rich orange-gold and greenish hues over lightly rubbed, frosty surfaces. There is just the slightest amount of friction seen on the high spots and the surfaces show few detracting marks. The eye appeal is excellent.

Just two CAC approved PCGS AU58 1838 half eagles have sold at auction in the last two years. Heritage 12/13: 4996 realized $4,4e06 while Heritage 4/13: 5748 brought $4,700. In my opinion, neither was as nice as the current example.

If you are working on a date set of Classic Head half eagles, this piece comes highly recommended.

CAC has approved 15 in this grade with 10 finer.