EXCEPTIONAL PCGS/CAC MS63+ 1849-D, UNDISPUTED SECOND FINEST KNOWN

Variety 25-S.

While generally regarded as a common date, the 1849-D is actually scarce in any grade above AU55 and it is very rare in Uncirculated with just five or six known. The finest is the NGC MS65 Duke’s Creek piece (also graded MS63 by PCGS) but the present example is clearly the second best and a case can be made for calling it the finest.

This is a remarkable coin with an appearance unlike any other 1849-D half eagle. This date is usually frosty but the present example is semi-prooflike with a number of raised die striations in the fields, as made. It is likely that this is among the very first pieces made from this die pair and the strike is uncommonly bold with nearly full detail at the centers. Both sides are very clean and vibrant and show a natural hazy golden hue which is very pleasing, in my opinion. A few small marks on the obverse appear to be as made and the overall visual appeal of this remarkable coin is exceptional.

The aforementioned Duke’s Creek example has never sold at auction; this piece has a long auction history which is recounted below.

An exceptional piece of Dahlonega gold and by far the best 1849-D half eagle which I have handled.

CAC has approved one in this grade and none finer.

Ex Bowers and Merena 2/08: 2544 ($24,150), Stacks 11/04: 822 ($25,300), Heritage 1/04: 1052 ($20,700), Green Pond collection via Douglas Winter Numismatics, Heritage 2/99: 6266 ($19,800), Numisma ’95: 1464 ($13,200), Stack’s 5/95: 477 ($18,700), Ed Milas collection, Auction ’84: 1341 ($17,600), Dr. Arthur Montgomery collection via Hancock and Harwell.