1840-C $5 MS62 PCGS. Variety 1....

Description

1840-C Half Eagle, Conditionally Rare MS62
Above-Average Eye Appeal

1840-C $5 MS62 PCGS. Variety 1. The right edge of the C mintmark is over the left edge of the E in FIVE while its left edge is over the V. Die State I: Perfect Reverse Die, that is, lacking the crack from the rim through the I in AMERICA to the tip of the middle arrowhead. In 1840 the mintmark was moved to the reverse, where it would remain on all half eagles produced at the branch mints.

The 1840-C half eagles, from a mintage slightly less than 19,000 pieces, are among of the rarest five dollar issues produced at the Charlotte Mint. PCGS and NGC have graded a total of 200 examples in all levels of preservation, including just 10 Mint State pieces, the finest three near-Gems. The 1840-C is most often seen in Very Fine or lower grades. Extremely Fine pieces are scarce, About Uncirculated coins are rare, and as seen from the population figures above, Mint State specimens are highly elusive.

Collectors seeking representatives of this issue are confronted not only with its rarity, but also with the fact that it was not that well-produced. The majority of examples, even Mint State ones, are poorly struck, display substandard luster, and have rough planchets. Additionally, most are extensively abraded. These factors add up to the 1840-C having the poorest eye appeal of any Charlotte half eagle.

This MS62 offering exhibits above-average strike detail on the obverse, especially on the star centers and Liberty's hair, elements typically weak. The central reverse is a touch soft, but still better than usually encountered. The yellow-gold surfaces imbued with traces of red on the reverse are minimally marked for the grade designation and show relatively bright luster. These attributes combine to yield above-average eye appeal. It is unlikely that one will locate a piece nicer than the present example, which is certain to command a generous bid. Population: 1 in 62, 2 finer (11/13).
From the collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(Registry values: P5)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25SD, PCGS# 8196, Greysheet# 8957)

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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