Variety 10-G. Medium D mintmark.

The 1843-D is one of the most available half eagles from this mint and it is among the best produced. This combination makes it very popular with type collectors seeking a single choice piece for a set. As a date, the 1843-D is not readily available in Uncirculated around a dozen or so known, mostly in the MS60 to MS61 range.

This fresh-to-the-market example exhibits rich natural deep green gold color which is the “right” hue for an 1843-D that hasn’t been lightened or processed. It is satiny and very well struck with sharp details at the centers and borders. Most importantly, it is truly a new coin with no wear or rubbing on the high spots and only some minor luster breaks seen in the fields. There are a few light scuffs seen on both sides but the eye appeal of this coin is way above-average for what one would expect and I have seen clearly inferior D mint half eagles in MS61 holders.

There are no auction records for MS60 examples of this date. The last MS61 to sell was ex Stacks Bowers 11/11: 9474 (graded by NGC) and it realized $9,775. Only seven records are verifiable in the last decade and this includes records as high as $13,800 back in 2006.