Lot 1274
1843-D. Medium D. PCGS graded MS-61. Lightly toned with much luster. Light yellow gold with frosty devices and sharply struck in all areas. We are please to see how nice the surface retains its original smoothness. The lack of marks is noteworthy. As is the degree of crisp detail in the stars and date, Liberty's hair and coronet (with fully impressed LIBERTY on the crest), as well as a bold eagle. The eagle is immeasurably better than 90% of later D-mint Half Eagles, whose quality began to deteriorate in the late 1840s and became mushy in the extreme near the end of this Mint's existence in 1861. Here, the neck feathers are sharp, as is the shield, the leg feathers and talons, indeed the entire reverse with its broad square rims it the very picture of careful craftsmanship. A nod must be given to the mint technicians and workmen who produced this fine coin! We readily expect that its next owner will consider it the centerpiece of his or her collection.
When encountered, the 1843-D is usually seen in Very Fine condition, occasionally Extremely Fine, and not often AU. Perhaps a few thousand 1843-D half eagles exist today, this possibly being a generous estimate. Whatever the figure, the presently offered MS61 is among the elite few retaining their Mint originality, per the following census: Pop 4; 8 finer, 3 in 62, 4 in 63, 1 in 64. (PCGS # 8215) .
Estimated Value $9,000 - 9,500.
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