Large Diameter or Broad Mill variety; designated as such on the holder by NGC.

This date is known with a Broad Mill variety (scarce) and a Narrow Mill (common). Both issues are not often seen in Uncirculated although there are a few really nice pieces known including the Gem example from the Pittman sale (ex Col. Green and King Farouk; now graded MS65 by NGC) and an NGC MS66 which sold for $44,850 in B+M’s 2006 ANA auction. I doubt if more than a half dozen Broad Mill variety 1840 half eagles are known in Uncirculated.

This coin is immediately notable for its superb color with intense reddish-gold and orange hues, in slightly different configurations, seen on the obverse and reverse. The appearance is very fresh with full luster and nice detail; the obverse denticles are weak from 12:00 to 2:00. There are a few marks which limit the grade including some scuffs below ATES in STATES but the freshness and eye appeal of this piece make it a special coin.

The last MS61 1840 half eagle to sell at auction was a PCGS/CAC example of the more common Narrow Mill which brought $4,994 as Heritage 3/13: 4218.

Here is a coin with real character and eye appeal. When more collectors begin to appreciate the rarity of the Broad Mill 1840 half eagles (from both Philadelphia and New Orleans) these will be ascribed their true value in the marketplace.

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