Small Date. Variety 7-E.

1842-D half eagles are known with a Small Date and a Large Date logotype. The former is more available and there are an estimated 275-325 known with most in the VF-EF grade range. Examples with natural color and surfaces are not often seen.

This is among the prettier Dahlonega half eagles I have seen in EF45, regardless of date. It has rich, deep green-gold color with the obverse a bit more intense in hue than the reverse. Both sides are well defined and lightly marked. While it is hard to state that a coin is fully “original” with certainty, this piece certainly appears to have never been cleaned, dipped or lightened,

There have been three PCGS EF45 examples of this variety sold at auction in the last three years, none of which have been approved by CAC and none of which appeared as choice as the present coin. They realized $2,233, $2,300 and $2,588, respectively.

Dahlonega half eagles of this quality are in strong demand but are not often offered for sale.

CAC has approved seven in this grade with four finer.