CHOICE EF40 1838-C HALF EAGLE

HM-2, R-5. Cracked reverse die.

Housed in an very old green label holder and undergraded by today’s standards.

The popularity of this issue is well-documented as it is the first-year-of-issue for Charlotte half eagles as well as being a one year type. Properly graded EF examples are scarce and in great demand.

In my opinion, this is a solid AU50 coin with considerable luster and pleasing natural light green-gold color on both sides. There are some ticks seen on both sides but the surfaces are far above-average for the date and for the grade. This piece has vastly better eye appeal than what I generally see available for the date and it is a highlight of the Sunnyvale Collection. (If you are wondering why the coin didn’t sticker at CAC, it’s likely the obverse was a bit too liney for their taste…)

Two PCGS EF40 1838-C half eagles have sold at auction since early 2018 and these brought $10,800 (3/2020) and $10,500 (4/2018). There are no recent trades for any PCGS 45s, and the most recent sale for a PCGS AU50 is $12,360 in August 2017. In my opinion, the present coin is nicer than any of these.

This is a date which is almost never available with the right “look” and I think most collectors are really going to like this example’s appearance.

From the Sunnyvale Collection

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