1853-D $5 MS63 PCGS. Large mintmark. Variety 29-V. (per ...

Description

Attractive PCGS Graded MS63 1853-D Half Eagle, Tied For Second Finest Known

1853-D $5 MS63 PCGS. Large mintmark. Variety 29-V. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). This is one of four varieties known for the year.

RARITY INFORMATION: The 1853-D is the most available Dahlonega half eagle and it is the only issue that is seen in Uncirculated with any degree of regularity. There are an estimated 15 to 20 pieces known in Uncirculated with most in the MS60 to MS62 grade range. In properly graded MS63, the 1853-D is very rare. We know of a single NGC MS64 (Ex: Milas and Bareford Collections) and four different coins graded MS63 by PCGS. This is another date where PCGS and NGC population figures are seriously inflated by resubmissions and should not necessarily being taken at face value.

STRIKE: This date is found either with a relatively good strike or poorly struck with a very weak border. This example is much better struck than usual and the edges do not show any beveling. The reverse is particularly sharp with all of the feather detail clearly visible. On both sides, the denticles are complete and show no blurriness. It is very difficult to locate an 1853-D half eagle that is as well struck as this.

SURFACES: There is a shallow planchet flaw that runs from the back of Liberty's head into the field and terminates near star 12. Other than this, the surfaces appear to be clean for the grade with just a few light nicks and stray hairlines (not from cleaning) visible with magnification.

LUSTER: On the obverse, the luster is slightly subdued and has a grainy texture. The luster on the reverse is more pronounced and is more satiny in appearance.

COLORATION: The obverse has a slightly orange-gold hue that appears most intense in the right field. The reverse is more attractive with an even light green-gold color noted.

EYE APPEAL: This is a high grade Dahlonega half eagle that is notable for being much better struck than usual. The surfaces are clean and lustrous and provide good overall eye appeal.

COMPARABLES: In our June 2001 sale, the Clyde Godfrey example of this date (graded MS63 by PCGS) brought $14,375. The finest known 1853-D half eagle, graded MS64 by NGC, sold for $55,000 as lot 490 of Stack's May 1995 Ed Milas Collection.

PEDIGREE: Obtained via private treaty from Robert Hughes. This is the plate coin in the second edition of the Winter book on Dahlonega gold and it is listed in the current Condition Census as being tied with a small group of other coins as second finest known for the date. (#8255) (Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25UF, PCGS# 8255, Greysheet# 9004)

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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