1839-D $5.00 PCGS AU55 CAC

Variety 1, mintmark above the 3 in the date. The popular one-year type 1839-D is, along with the 1838-D and the 1861-D, the only half eagle from this mint with multiple levels of demand. By this, I mean that it is sought not only by Dahlonega specialists but by gold type collectors (and collectors of "neat coins") as well. This has pushed values up considerably for this issue in the last five or so years but I believe that there is more than enough demand to justify these new levels; not to mention a very limited supply of examples in any grade. I just sold a lovely PCGS AU58 1839-D half eagle a few weeks back and had many inquiries about that coin; the present piece is just about as choice. It shows natural medium yellow and greenish-gold colors at the centers framed by bands of reddish-gold at the rims with this color a bit stronger on the reverse. There is a good deal of luster for the grade and the detail is mostly sharp with just a touch of softness seen on the hair above the ear on the obverse. The last PCGS AU55 to trade at auction was ex Heritage 4/11: 5385 which brought $13,225. In my opinion, the current example is more original and more appealing for the grade. An important coin which is destined to reside in a connoisseur's set of Dahlonega half eagles.

This is one of two AU55 examples approved by CAC with one better. A total of six have been approved by CAC for the date.