1853-D $5 MS64+ PCGS. CAC. Variety 34-Y....

Description

1853-D Liberty Half Eagle, MS64+
CAC-Approved Quality
Tied for Finest Certified

1853-D $5 MS64+ PCGS. CAC. Variety 34-Y. Large D. According to Mint records, the Dahlonega Mint struck 89,678 Liberty half eagles in 1853, a modest mintage in absolute terms, but quite generous in the context of the series. In his 2013 series reference, Doug Winter states five die varieties are known for the date. This coin represents Variety 34-Y, with the mintmark positioned closer to the branch than the feather tip and its upright centered over the left edge of the E in FIVE. The 1853-D has a relatively high survival rate and experts consider it the most available half eagle from the Dahlonega Mint. Southern gold collectors often seek an example for type purposes, as it is also the most available Dahlonega half eagle in high grade.

Few collectors systematically collected branch mint issues before Augustus Heaton published his landmark treatise on mintmarks in 1893. As a result, 19th century auction appearances of the 1853-D were few and far between. An early 20th century appearance was in lot 415 of the Charles W. Cowell Collection (B. Max Mehl, 11/1911), "1853 Large D high over E. Fine. Strong impression." Mehl's observations on the mintmark were unusually precise, for the time. The mintmark size is a controversial issue today, as PCGS has certified nine examples with a Medium D designation, but many experts doubt the variety really exists.

We believe the present coin first surfaced in lot 1140 of the James A. Stack Collection (Stack's, 10/1994), though the plate match is somewhat tentative:

"1853 'D' Brilliant Uncirculated. Deep impression of the dies, enriched by assertive gold luster. Here is a date of which only 'a small quantity of Uncirculated specimens' are known, as Akers writes. (SEE COLOR PLATE)."

The lot realized $8,500, a strong price for the time. When this same coin recently appeared in a David Lawrence Rare Coin internet auction in March 2023, it realized a record price for the issue of $86,500, illustrating how collector demand for Dahlonega gold has increased in recent years.

The coin offered here is tied with one other MS64+ example at PCGS for finest-certified honors. Like many examples of this issue, the central devices are sharply rendered, but a touch of softness is evident on some star centers and the dentilation is weak in some areas. The well-preserved, lemon-gold surfaces radiate vibrant mint luster from both sides, with some hints of olive at the peripheries. Overall eye appeal is outstanding and the high quality within the grade is confirmed by CAC. We expect intense competition from series specialists and Registry Set enthusiasts when this lot is called. Population: 4 in 64 (2 in 64+), 0 finer. CAC: 2 in 64, 0 finer (11/23).
Ex: Possibly James A. Stack Collection (Stack's, 10/1994), lot 1140, realized $8,500; Internet Auction #1263 (David Lawrence Rare Coins, 3/2023), lot 7333, realized $86,500.
(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.

View Certification Details from PCGS