Variety 7-E. Small Date, as noted on the holder by PCGS.

Varieties of 1842-D half eagle and known with Small Date and Large Date logotypes. The former is more available although it is by no means an easy issue to locate in collector grades with choice surfaces and natural coloration.

This is a choice and very pleasing example with the eye appeal of a coin graded AU50 to AU53. It features lovely deep, rich russet toning with similar hues seen on the obverse and the reverse. One small untoned area can be seen on the obverse between star six and the coronet point and there is a small contact mark between stars seven and eight.

The only PCGS/CAC EF45 example of this variety to sell at auction in recent years was DLRC 6/13: 374 which sold for $2,900.

This is by far the finest available quality for this date priced at under $3,000. I have handled some exceptional 1842-D Small Date half eagles in recent years but this is the only one I actually thought about “putting back.”

CAC has approved eight in this grade with eight finer.