Medium D mintmark (misattributed on the holder by PCGS as a Large D). Variety 38-CC.

The 1855-D is the third rarest half eagle from this mint after the 1842-D Large Date and the 1861-D. It is likely that as few as two dozen are known in AU grades with most of these in the AU50 to AU53 range and showing poor eye appeal. Properly graded AU55 examples are very rare and I know of just three or four examples that qualify as Uncirculated.

This coin has exceptional appeal for a date which is almost never seen choice. It is better struck than normal with just minor weakness at the centers and the surfaces are lightly toned with pleasing natural orange-gold hues which are “right” for the issue. There are no marks out of keeping with the assigned grade and this is the best 1855-D half eagle I have personally owned in over five years.

Only three PCGS AU55 1855-D half eagles have sold at auction since late 2000 and none in this grade have ever been offered with CAC approval.

An extremely significant coin for the Dahlonega half eagle specialist.

CAC has approved one in this grade and just one finer (an AU58).