1842-D $5 Small Date MS62 PCGS. Small Date and Small ...

Description

Very Rare Uncirculated 1842-D Small Date Half Eagle

1842-D $5 Small Date MS62 PCGS. Small Date and Small Letters. Variety 7-E. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). The numerals in the date are even in height. This is the more common of the two varieties known.

RARITY INFORMATION: In 1842, the Dahlonega mint experimented with date and lettering size. This was part of a period of experimentation at every mint that lasted from 1838 to 1843. The reasons for the frequent, subtle changes on gold coins during this era were most probably related to issues of standardization of design and improvements in strike. The 1842-D Small Date is much more available than its Large Date counterpart (the exact opposite is true on the Charlotte half eagles dated 1842 where the 1842-C Small Date is the rarity). There are an estimated 175-200 pieces known with 28-33 in AU and seven to nine in Uncirculated. Unlike the 1841-D, there are no very choice 1842-D Small Date half eagles known. We are aware of four distinct PCGS MS62 coins and another three that have been graded as such by NGC.

STRIKE: The strike is well defined almost all of the hair and feather details showing complete definition. This is very unusual for the date as most 1842-D Small Date half eagles are quite weak on the hair below BERT in LIBERTY and on the eagle's legs, claws, and arrow feathers.

SURFACES: Under light magnification, a few hairlines (not from cleaning) can be seen on both sides. In addition, there are some scattered marks and slight areas of granularity (possibly as made). A small semi-circular mark at the middle of Liberty's nose and some marks around the eagle's head serve as pedigree identifiers.

LUSTER: The luster is slightly subdued and very grainy in its appearance--a look is seen on many 1842-D Small Date half eagles. This may either be due to the fact that a small group of pieces was located that had been buried at one time or it may be a factor of how the planchets were prepared.

COLORATION: The coloration is a deep, even green-gold hue that is similar on both sides.

EYE APPEAL: To appreciate the look of this coin, it is important to understand this issue. The appearance of most higher grade 1842-D Small Date half eagles is very different than that found on the 1841-D (the best looking issue from the early 1840s). This coin has an exceptional strike and clean surfaces with even, rich coloration. It is among the finest known and is by far the finest that has been made available to collectors in the past few years.

COMPARABLES: In our February 1999 Miller Collection Sale, lot 6241 (graded MS62 by NGC) sold for $17,250. In the Goldberg's September 2002 auction, lot 967 (graded MS62 by NGC) sold for $14,950.

PEDIGREE: Obtained from Doug Winter; Ex: 2003 FUN Sale (Heritage, 1/03), lot 4739, where it brought $13,800; Ashland City Collection; unknown dealer(s); Kevin Lipton; Numisma '95 (Stack's/RARCOA/Akers, 10/95), lot 1455, where it realized $14,300; Winthrop Carner; Ed Milas Collection (Stack's, 5/95), lot 445, where it brought a surprising $19,800; Heritage (6/89), lot 1930. (#8210) (Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25SX, PCGS# 8210, Greysheet# 8967)

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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