1839-C $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety 1....

Description

1839-C Half Eagle, MS63
Major Rarity at This Level
Single-Year Type

1839-C $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety 1. The Liberty Head design, created by Christian Gobrecht, was first employed for half eagles in 1839. The mints at Charlotte, Dahlonega, and Philadelphia were engaged in five dollar gold production that year. This issue enjoys the lowest mintage of the three, with only 17,205 coins struck. In addition to being a low-mintage, first-year issue, the 1839-C enjoys the added popularity of a single-year type. Liberty's portrait was modified in 1840, and the mintmark was moved from above the date to below the eagle on the reverse, making this the only Charlotte half eagle with an obverse mintmark.

The 1839-C half eagle is scarce in the absolute sense. Doug Winter proposes a survival estimate of 150 to 200 coins across all grade levels -- a number that tracks closely with the published population figures at PCGS and NGC. Both Winter and CoinFacts agree on a Mint State population of roughly 10 coins. Specifically, PCGS reports three examples in MS61, two in MS62, this singular Select Uncirculated coin, and two additional examples in MS64, including the Pogue specimen or presentation piece. Clearly, this remarkable MS63 offering ranks among an elite group of survivors. Opportunities to obtain such a coin only come along every few years.

Strike definition exceeds expectations for the issue. Every star shows at least partial radial definition, and Liberty's curls and hair bun are well-formed. The eagle is similarly strong throughout, with bold feathers, talons, and olive leaves. Each side radiates glowing luster over warm, orange-gold surfaces. Scattered marks are expected but inoffensive. Ticks above the E in FIVE and below the left (facing) claw will aid in future pedigree attribution. Population: 1 in 63, 2 finer (10/17).(Registry values: P5)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25S8, PCGS# 8192, Greysheet# 8955)

Weight: 8.36 grams

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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