RARE PCGS/CAC AU58 1842-D SMALL DATE HALF EAGLE

Variety 7-E.

The 1842-D Small Date is the more common of the two varieties known for this year. There are 275-325 known with the typical specimen grading VF-EF. Low end About Uncirculated pieces are around but are usually processed and show poor eye appeal as a result. A properly graded AU58 is rare while Uncirculated 1842-D Small Date half eagles are very rare with no more than six to eight accounted for.

This very pleasing slider example is uncommonly well struck and shows no real wear but it is just a bit too “rubby” to grade Uncirculated It has not been cleaned or dipped and it shows nice natural green-gold color which is “right” for the issue. The fields show a number of small, shallow ticks which are not overly detracting and the eye appeal is well above average for the date and the grade.

There are just two APR’s for this date in PCGS since 2004 and they are for the same coin: Heritage 1/13: 7127 at $6,463 and Heritage 4/11: 6476 at $6,900; neither appearance saw the coin stickered by CAC.

This is the nicest available quality for this date at less than $12,500-15,000 and it would fit comfortably into a high-quality set of EF to AU Dahlonega half eagles.

CAC has approved three in this grade with only one finer (MS62).