1840-D Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter 3-B. Tall D. MS-61 (PCGS). CAC.

Here is an exceptional and rare Mint State example of this challenging early date Dahlonega Mint half eagle. Lustrous frosty surfaces are endowed with lovely warm, even olive-orange color. Impressively sharp in strike with remarkably smooth surfaces for both the issue and the assigned grade. Struck only a few years after the opening of the mint at Dahlonega, the 1840-D half eagle is the first of the denomination with the mintmark on the reverse. When the 22,896 specimens entered circulation, they remained there for many years. As a consequence, at most 150 or so examples survive in any condition, with the overwhelming majority in mid-range circulated grades. The 1840-D half eagle is a notable condition rarity above even the lowest AU levels. The issue is especially rare in Mint State, where not a single specimen exceeds the Choice level. Of course any Uncirculated survivor is noteworthy, and this premium quality MS-61 would be difficult to improve upon technically or aesthetically. Serious students of the Dahlonega Mint's coins will want to pay particular attention when this very desirable specimen crosses the block.

PCGS# 8198. NGC ID: 25SG.

PCGS Population: 4; 4 finer (all MS-62). All of these entries are for the Tall D variety. CAC Population: 1; 0.

From the Fairmont Collection-Hendricks Set.

Estimate: $ 12500