Variety 31-W. Strong mintmark.

The 1851-D is among the scarcer half eagles from this mint and in higher grades, I rank it as the third rarest after the 1842-D Large date and the 1861-D. It is very hard to find in properly graded AU55 to AU58 and I am aware of just four in Uncirculated.

This light yellow-gold example is notable for displaying a better than average strike and it also shows a good deal of remaining luster. The centers have nearly full detail (which is unusual for this date) with a nearly full curl above Liberty’s ear. There are some small abrasions seen on both sides but this piece is very high end for the grade and I have seen comparable pieces in AU58 holders.

No PCGS AU55′s have sold at auction since November 2006 and no CAC approved AU55 has ever sold at auction. I recently sold a comparable PCGS AU55 with CAC approval as part of the Western Michigan collection for $6,000.

An important coin for the advanced Dahlonega half eagle specialist.

CAC has approved three in this grade with two finer.