1858-D $5 MS61 PCGS. Large mintmark. Variety 35-DD. (per ...

Description

Very Attractive PCGS MS61 1858-D Half Eagle

1858-D $5 MS61 PCGS. Large mintmark. Variety 35-DD. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). This reverse was also used in 1859. It is one of two reverses known for the 1858-D and it is quite a bit scarcer than the medium mintmark.

RARITY INFORMATION: The 1858-D has a lower mintage figure than the 1857-D, but it is actually a somewhat more available coin. There are 125-150 pieces known with three dozen or so in AU and another seven to nine in Uncirculated. The two finest known are in the Duke's Creek Collection. One is graded MS64 by PCGS while the other is graded MS63 by the same service and is notable for being almost fully prooflike. We are also aware of three coins graded MS62 by PCGS and two or three graded as such by NGC.

STRIKE: This is a very well struck 1858-D half eagle. It is reasonably well defined in the centers, and this is unusual as most are quite weak in this area. The stars have full radial lines in the centers and the denticles show no weakness.

SURFACES: Some old diagonal hairlines on the obverse are well concealed by the coloration. For the grade, the surfaces are very choice with no serious marks visible to the unaided eye. A very small reverse rim defect at 9 o'clock is mentioned mostly for the sake of future identification. Many 1858-D half eagles were either poorly prepared or were roughly handled during their time in circulation. This piece was produced on a high quality planchet and escaped any time in commerce.

LUSTER: Higher grade examples of this date generally have good luster and this piece is no exception. It is frosty and has not been impaired by previous cleanings or chemical enhancement.

COLORATION: Lovely deep, rich orange-gold hues can be seen on the obverse and the reverse. This color is similar to the shades we have seen on the other high grade 1858-D half eagles that have been sold in recent years.

EYE APPEAL: This is a very attractive coin. It is sharply struck and very lustrous with good coloration and surfaces. To our eyes, it looks as nice as other pieces we have seen graded MS62 and we would not be surprised if the final price realized was indicative of this.

COMPARABLES: In our January 2003 Ashland City Collection Auction we sold an NGC MS61 as lot 4802 for $10,350. In our January 1999 North Georgia Collection Auction we sold a PCGS MS61 as lot 7713 for $9,430.

PEDIGREE: Obtained from Doug Winter in October 1997. Earlier in the Paul Dingler Collection. This is the plate coin in the second edition of the Winter book on Dahlonega gold coins. It is listed in the current Condition Census as being tied for fifth finest known with a small number of other coins. (#8278) (Registry values: P3)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25V9, PCGS# 8278, Greysheet# 9027)

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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