1847-D $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety 17-I. (per Doug Winter's ...

Description

One of the Finest Known 1847-D Half Eagles

1847-D $5 MS63 PCGS. Variety 17-I. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). Easily identifiable by the presence of a reverse die crack that runs through FIVE to the dot at the right. One of four known varieties for this year.

RARITY INFORMATION: The 1847-D is among the more common Dahlonega half eagles in terms of its overall rarity. There are 200-225 pieces believed extant today, including 40-45 in AU and 11-13 in Uncirculated. Unlike some of the other Dahlonega half eagles from the 1840s, there are no comparatively high grade Uncirculated pieces currently traced. We know of three that have been graded MS63 by PCGS and five that have been graded MS62 by PCGS. The Green Pond Collection example is tied with a PCGS MS63 in the Gold Rush Collection as the single finest 1847-D half eagle of which we are aware.

STRIKE: Unquestionably the best feature of this coin is its incredible strike. Both sides show 100% full detail. While we have not examined every known 1847-D half eagle, it seems unlikely that there are many others as sharp as this piece.

SURFACES: There are some hairlines (not from cleaning) on both the obverse and the reverse. The fields are remarkably clean with just one fine, thin scratch from the D in UNITED to the olive leaves visible below magnification. An interesting patch of raised die rust is located at the outside of the middle of the right (facing) wing. This is mint-made and we have not observed this on other examples.

LUSTER: The luster is very frosty in appearance, and is especially bold on the reverse.

COLORATION: This coin was dipped a few years ago and it has bright yellow-gold color. It should be stressed that this 1847-D half eagle still has an excellent appearance and the luster has not been disturbed.

EYE APPEAL: This is a very pleasing coin with great overall eye appeal. It is exceptionally detailed and very lustrous with bright color and clean surfaces.

COMPARABLES: In our January 2003 auction of the Ashland City Collection, a strangely colored PCGS MS63 example offered as lot 4762 sold for $12,075.

PEDIGREE: Ex: Heritage Rare Coin Galleries in September 1998. This is the plate coin in the second edition of the Winter book and it is listed in the current Condition Census as being tied for the finest known. (#8234) (Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25TP, PCGS# 8234, Greysheet# 8986)

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS