1040

1840-D $5 Tall D, Narrow Mill MS62 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1840-D $5 Tall D, Narrow Mill MS62 PCGS.
1840-D $5 Tall D, Narrow Mill MS62 PCGS. Struck from dies rotated 180 degrees and in medallic alignment. Unlisted variety with a new obverse; reverse B with a tall mintmark. On the obverse the date position is similar to that seen on Variety 3-B but is somewhat different and there is no repunching on the 18. In addition, this obverse lacks the large die defect extending out from the denticles toward star 13. We have seen a few other coins that use this obverse die but it appears to be quite rare.RARITY INFORMATION: In 1840, the obverse of the half eagle was modified again. Liberty's neck was redesigned with a less obvious curve than seen on the 1839 issues. Most importantly, the mintmark was moved to the reverse where it would stay on all regular issue United States half eagles until 1933. The 1840-D is tied for the eighth rarest Dahlonega half eagle in terms of its overall rarity. An estimated 120-140 pieces are known with 22-27 in AU and another five to seven in Uncirculated. The Green Pond Collection coin is the highest graded by PCGS and only four others have been graded in Uncirculated by this service. NGC has graded one or two in MS62.STRIKE: The obverse is very well struck except on the curl below the ear of Liberty, which is flat. The hair is otherwise sharp while the stars show full radial lines and the denticles are fully separated. On the reverse there is some weakness on the lower portion of the eagle including the left (facing) leg and talon and the arrow fletchings.SURFACES: Most 1840-D half eagles have very heavily abraded surfaces. This coin is notable for being quite clean. The obverse is nearly free of marks, which is remarkable for this date. The reverse has some light marks in the fields but it is still far above average for the date and grade.LUSTER: Both sides have a somewhat grainy texture that is unique to this issue. The luster has not been disturbed by prior cleaning or chemical enhancement. 1840-D half eagles with original surfaces are very rare.COLORATION: The color is a lovely medium to deep green-gold hue. This color is, again, indicative of originality.EYE APPEAL: The Green Pond 1840-D half eagle is an exceptional coin. It is well detailed, extremely clean and very lustrous, with nice color. It is one of a small handful of truly Uncirculated examples and one of an even smaller number that are original and attractive.COMPARABLES: In our 1999 ANA Auction, we sold a PCGS MS61 as lot 7667 and it realized $11,500. In their May 1995 Milas Collection auction, Stack's sold an NGC MS62 as lot 437 and it brought $24,200. These are the only two auction records for Uncirculated 1840-D half eagles in the past decade.PEDIGREE: Ex: Chestatee Collection (Heritage, 8/99), lot 7668 ($12,650); Blanchard & Company; Jesse Lipka. At one point, this coin was graded MS63 by NGC but it was downgraded by PCGS. This is the plate coin in the second edition of the Winter book and it is described in the current Condition Census as the finest known 1840-D half eagle. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.