Classic Head Gold Collection, Part 15, 1838-D Half Eagle

BillJones

Mintage 20,583
Estimated Number of Survivors 275
The 1838-D half eagles were the first coins that the recently opened Dahlonega Mint issued. The mint delivered its first group of 80 pieces on April 21, 1838. Mint Director, Joseph Singleton, remarked that the coins were, “beautiful, accurate and had a most cordial reception wherever carried.”
These early Dahlonega half eagles were as well made as their Philadelphia Mint counterparts. Unfortunately the Dahlonega Mint did not always meet those standards in subsequent years, although the mint’s reputation for quality is better than some people might lead you to believe.
The coin displayed above is one of two pieces that PCGS has graded MS-63. It is tied with the Pogue coin for the finest known example.

I purchased this coin at the 2011 Heritage Winter FUN auction. I knew what I wanted to pay for this piece, and I put my bid up on the Internet before the sale. When the bids reach this level, getting on the wrong side back and forth in the bidding process can cost you thousands of dollars.

As it turned out, there was a well-know dealer who was there representing a client for this piece. His client had the same idea I did. He was willing to pay the same amount, but my bid was on the book, so I got the piece. Later the dealer offered me couple thouand more if I would part with it, but what sense would that have made?

I have become a believer in "what is met to be." Sometimes you don't get a piece because fate willed you not get it. That has always been the case for me with 1796 half dimes. I have always bought the wrong coin right before the right one came along. In this case the fates worked in my favor.

ricko

@BillJones .... That is a lovely piece and certainly one to be proud of.... The Eagle on the reverse almost 'flies' off the coin.... Cheers, RickO

Ronyahski

Likely the highest condition census ranking in the OP set.
One of the few times that I would estimate the remaining survivor population lower than that of Coin Facts:250.
Most of the 1838-Ds show a fair amount of die polishing, but make up for it in hammered strikes.

Paradisefound

Beautiful Bill....just beautiful

Washingtoniana

@BillJones said:

I purchased this coin at the 2011 Heritage Winter FUN auction.

Was this the last time you won something in an auction, Bill?

couldn't resist - you set em up, I knock em down

jonruns

Awesome!!

Timbuk3

Absolutely "fabulous", congratulations !!!

Batman23

Very nice example. I like that obverse minkmark.

Walkerfan

@BillJones said:

I have become a believer in "what is met to be." Sometimes you don't get a piece because fate willed you not get it. That has always been the case for me with 1796 half dimes. I have always bought the wrong coin right before the right one came along. In this case the fates worked in my favor.

Bill, I believe this, as well, because some of my Walkers that came to me almost didn't happen...... it was sooo uncanny the way that I got them...... it just had to be fate. I have purchased a few coins that were dogs but the vast majority; I have been happy with the way things turned out. Why sell your good luck for a few extra bucks?

BillJones

@Washingtoniana said:

@BillJones said:

I purchased this coin at the 2011 Heritage Winter FUN auction.

Was this the last time you won something in an auction, Bill?

couldn't resist - you set em up, I knock em down

No, I've won auctions many times but not as pleasantly.

JJSingleton

Amazing example. The finest I have seen.

BTW, Birdsall got it wrong. The original striking of the 80 half eagles took place on April 17, not April 21. Unfortunately, with Birdsall being the D-mint bible, that date has been re-quoted so many times that he has almost changed history.