Variety 16-L. D/D mintmark. Improperly designated as a “Normal Mintmark” coin by NGC.

This is the better known of the two 1846-D half eagles. Its counterpart, with a normal mintmark, is less well known but it is scarcer in higher grades. As a date, the 1846-D/D is usually seen in the EF40 to AU50 range and it is scarce in properly graded AU55 and above. It is always in demand due to the visual appeal of the blundered mintmark punch.

It is easy to see why NGC gave this coin consideration as an AU58 as it is “meaty” with plenty of remaining luster and pleasing medium yellow-gold color. There is just a slight amount of wear on both sides and the strike is sharp with good detail. There are a few scattered marks in the left obverse field and on the reverse above the eagle’s head. An obverse rim mark at 3:30 appears to be mint-made.

This is the only 1846-D/D half eagle in any grade to receive a “plus” designation from NGC.

An ideal Dahlonega half eagle for type purposes.

Ex Heritage 8/12: 4585, where it brought $4,847. This was before it was approved by CA