Variety 46-DD, Medium mintmark.

The 1860-D is the second to last half eagle coined at the Dahlonega mint, and for most collectors it is the final issue they will own, given the rarity and cost of the 1861-D. There were 14,635 struck and while a number have been graded AU55 by both services, very few of these are original and choice for the grade.

Were it not a bit softly struck at the centers, this piece would almost certainly have graded AU58. It is very lightly worn, softly lustrous and free of all but the smallest, well-scattered marks. Most importantly, it shows pleasing natural light orange-gold color which is exactly “right” for this issue.

Only one PCGS AU55 example has sold at auction since February 2010 and it realized $4,406 as Heritage 8/14: 3905. It was not approved by CAC and was not nearly as nice for the assigned grade as is this piece.

Here is a perfect higher grade Dahlonega half eagle for the type collector who seeks a single piece from this mint or for a date collector with an eye for quality and originality.

CAC has approved three in this grade with six finer.