CHOICE MS63+ 1838 HALF EAGLE WITH CAC APPROVAL

McCloskey 1-A, R-2.

This is a numismatically significant date as it was the final Classic Head half eagle produced at the Philadelphia mint. I have always found this issue to be interesting as it has a vastly different appearance from the 1834-1837 issues with the borders differently configured. As a date, the 1838 is not hard to locate in the lowest Uncirculated grades. It is scarce in properly graded MS63 and MS64 and very rare in Gem. The Pogue IV: 4056 coin, graded MS66 by PCGS, realized $253,000 and it is the best I have seen.

This choice, frosty example is notable for its pleasing natural medium orange-gold color. Were it not for some minor scuffing at the lower left obverse, an MS64 grade would be likely and I still like this specific coin more than many 1838 half eagles I have viewed in MS64 holders.

The only other PCGS MS63+ 1838 half eagle (also approved by CAC) brought an impressive $24,675 as Goldberg 1/14: 1787.

This comparatively affordable choice 1838 half eagle would make an excellent type coin for the collector seeking a single impressive Classic Head half eagle.

CAC has approved four in this grade (including two in 63+) with just three finer.

Ex: Goldberg 9/07: 3284 where it realized $14,375 as a PCGS MS63.

From the Western Springs collection.