1861-D $5 MS62 NGC. Variety 46-JJ....

Description

1861-D Five, Eye-Appealing MS62
Rarest, Most Popular Dahlonega Half Eagle

1861-D $5 MS62 NGC. Variety 46-JJ. Sole dies for the year. The 1861-D is the rarest and most popular half eagle from the Dahlonega Mint. Doug Winter places its mintage at 1,597+ coins. He estimates that 75 to 85 pieces are known in all grades, mostly Very Fine and Extremely Fine, and about 20 pieces in About Uncirculated. His estimate for Mint State examples is 10 to 12 pieces.

The PCGS website suggests that 75 to 100 examples are known in all grades. NGC and PCGS combined have graded about 100 specimens, only 15 of which are Uncirculated. The finest graded is an NGC MS64.

It is extremely difficult to locate an 1861-D half eagle with nice eye appeal. Indeed, most survivors rank poorly in this regard. This is because the issue exhibits a below-average strike, below-average, dull luster, and often has mint-made planchet roughness and/or dark streaks. Additionally, the typical example is very heavily abraded.

The present MS62 specimen does not fit the above profile. Its design elements are well-struck, including those areas that are usually weak, such as Liberty's hair curls, most of the star centers, the obverse denticles, the eagle's legs, and the reverse milling from 1 to 4 o'clock. The claws and arrow feathers do reveal the usual softness. Also, while many specimens have an off-center appearance, this coin is well-centered on the planchet, and there are no unsightly streaks or stains.

Vibrant luster exudes from the yellow-gold surfaces, and there is no significant planchet roughness. A few light marks barely prevent MS63 designation, but they are nowhere as severe as usually seen. We mention some minuscule marks on the face because they might help pedigree the coin. This piece yields considerably above-average eye appeal and can serve as a centerpiece for a Dahlonega Mint type collection. Census: 2 in 62, 1 finer (11/13).
From the collection of Donald E. Bently, sold for the benefit of the Bently Foundation.(Registry values: P6)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25VM, PCGS# 8290, Greysheet# 9038)

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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