My new 1838-C HM2 (perfect reverse) P30CAC $5

pcgscacgold · October 9, 2025 3:48PM

This is the latest addition to my Classic Head $5 set and puts me within one (the 1834 HM9 Crosslet) of completion. It will be the first set that I complete.

As some will know the 1838-C HM2 has around 63 survivors (HM1 has an estimated 112) per Daryl Haynor's book on Classic Head Gold. This is a WOW coin in that it has the perfect reverse. A rather large rim to rim die crack is present on most HM2's. There are only 4 known examples with a perfect reverse, an MS63, an AU55, an XF45 and then my new VF30. This coin is also the only VF30 to sticker. In all only 19 total 1838-C's have received the sticker for originality. Makes it very hard to build an all CAC set but I am almost there. Especially since I know one collector with 2 of the 19 CAC coins. The Charlotte mint coins had below average planchets as well as rusted dies. Very few coins remain in original condition hence only 19 stickers.

The amount of luster remaining on this VF30 is a complete shock to me. I did not expect to see the shimmer that results from rotating this coin in the light. Not a grade for everyone, but 1838-C's just don't come around often.

The first photo is from @Desert Moon (Desert Moon NM) where I purchased the coin. Great person to work with and carries high quality coins. The coin moved quickly from Doug Winter, to Desert Moon and then to me. The second photo is the TV for it. In hand the coin has so much life.

I am extremely lucky to have this one. Very thankful for sure.
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calgolddiver · October 9, 2025 3:51PM

outstanding !!! congratulations !!

HillbillyCollector · October 9, 2025 3:52PM

Ah man, that one should have MY name on it but doesn’t!🤨
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Incredible pickup, Brother 👍
Congratulations!!

The_Dinosaur_Man · October 9, 2025 3:53PM

Awesome piece! Congrats on adding it to your set!

pcgscacgold · October 9, 2025 3:58PM

Thanks @calgolddiver , @HillbillyCollector and @The_Dinosaur_Man

I appreciate the kind words.

WACoinGuy · October 9, 2025 4:01PM

Congrat that’s a beaut! I love these classic heads with good honest wear and for a Charlotte that’s a really nice coin

pcgscacgold · October 9, 2025 4:05PM

Thanks @WACoinGuy
I agree. It's nice to have coins that were out in circulation and touching hands without gloves on.

GuzziSport · October 9, 2025 4:43PM

Tom, that is a beautiful crusty classic head! That it’s also a Charlotte issue is the topper! Outstanding coin, congrats!

pursuitofliberty · October 9, 2025 5:09PM

Great coin Brother! Man, you've been on a roll! And that Al @Desert Moon is a pretty good guy I think!

pcgscacgold · October 9, 2025 5:21PM

Thanks @GuzziSport , I am finding those VF/XF Classics to be beautiful.

Thanks Todd @pursuitofliberty
When it rains it pours I guess. Patience has always been the key.

pcgsregistrycollector · October 9, 2025 9:24PM

Sick coin @pcgscacgold!

lordmarcovan · October 9, 2025 9:29PM

Magical

johnny9434 · October 9, 2025 10:07PM

I like 👍

pcgscacgold · October 10, 2025 1:01AM

Thanks @pcgsregistrycollector and @lordmarcovan , we think alike .

Thanks @johnny9434

johnny9434 · October 10, 2025 1:40AM

@pcgscacgold said:
Thanks @pcgsregistrycollector and @lordmarcovan , we think alike .

Thanks @johnny9434

Gotta love it when that 1 good coin comes in (sorta speaks) 👍☝️

pcgscacgold · October 10, 2025 1:55AM

For sure @johnny9434
With only 19 out there, and two in one collectors set, I thought this would be a set stopper. Then a miracle happened.

Spud2020 · October 10, 2025 3:18AM

@pcgscacgold said:
For sure @johnny9434
With only 19 out there, and two in one collectors set, I thought this would be a set stopper. Then a miracle happened.

Hello again, that is another coin that was sold from my collection. Again, I bought her raw and recognized the variety. I am so glad you enjoy the coin!

James.

Spud2020 · October 10, 2025 3:26AM

I believe this coin was probably struck on March,27 1838 since it is HM2 without the big break. I loved the reflective mirrors that were deeply imbedded in the low areas of the devices. Very prooflike I thought.

pcgscacgold · October 10, 2025 4:18AM

Thanks for the information @Spud2020
If you get a chance I would be very interested to hear more about the two coins I purchased from your collection. Use the message system.

You had some great eye and it amazes me you found these raw. You are spot on with your details about how reflective this coin surfaces are. It sparkles.

BillJones · October 10, 2025 5:20AM

The 1834 with the crosslet 4 is tough. I ended up paying for an overgraded one to get a piece that went well either way my set. It’s an AU-55 in an MS-61 holder. This variety is as rare as the “old terror” gold which preceded it.

Wahoo554 · October 10, 2025 5:39AM

Fantastic pickup. I love the originality and eye appeal. The 38-C is so incredibly tough to find nice with good eye appeal. I missed out on many opportunities before I landed one as these never last more than a few minutes. So much tougher than the 38-D.

Wahoo554 · October 10, 2025 5:39AM

@Spud2020 said:

@pcgscacgold said:
For sure @johnny9434
With only 19 out there, and two in one collectors set, I thought this would be a set stopper. Then a miracle happened.

Hello again, that is another coin that was sold from my collection. Again, I bought her raw and recognized the variety. I am so glad you enjoy the coin!

James.

Wow, amazing that you found that raw. Please share the story!

Spud2020 · October 10, 2025 5:41AM

@Wahoo554 said:

@Spud2020 said:

@pcgscacgold said:
For sure @johnny9434
With only 19 out there, and two in one collectors set, I thought this would be a set stopper. Then a miracle happened.

Hello again, that is another coin that was sold from my collection. Again, I bought her raw and recognized the variety. I am so glad you enjoy the coin!

James.

Wow, amazing that you found that raw. Please share the story!

Denver annual coin show in 2015. Helping a dealer friend run the bourse and found it walking the bourse.

CaptHenway · October 10, 2025 7:00AM

Very Nice!

pcgscacgold · October 10, 2025 8:30AM

Thanks @CaptHenway I have always liked your posted coins as well.

Coins3675 · October 10, 2025 9:23AM

Cool

Cougar1978 · October 10, 2025 9:27AM

Very nice coin

scubafuel · October 10, 2025 9:34AM

@spud2020 I was at the Denver show earlier this morning! But unfortunately no awesome finds like that.

pcgscacgold · October 10, 2025 9:40AM

@scubafuel said:
@spud2020 I was at the Denver show earlier this morning! But unfortunately no awesome finds like that.

Darn, was hoping you would find another gem there.

pcgscacgold · October 11, 2025 4:50PM

Thanks @Cougar1978 I appreciate the comment.

steveben · October 11, 2025 5:08PM

nice coin

pcgscacgold · October 11, 2025 5:11PM

Thanks @steveben A bucket list coin for me.

pcgscacgold · October 17, 2025 1:54PM

I have received a few private messages about my Die Marriage set so I thought I would post some pics of coins I was asked about. So far I have 15 of the 34. I will never have the 34 as many are in details holders. Two extremely hard to find in CAC/CACG holders and one coin from the Virginian collection.

The first is an 1834 HM4 R5+ CACG55 with about 35 or so in existence. The color on this coin is outstanding. I was very lucky to get this one added to the collection.
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The second is an 1835 HM6 R6 CACG25 (Fairmont) with about 20 remaining today. Very weak strike obverse. Not a VF25 reverse when compared to other VF25's.
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Another cool one is the 1836 HM6 R3. This is the plate coin from D. Haynor's great book on Classic Head Gold coinage.
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TomB · October 17, 2025 2:23PM

Outstanding coins from top to bottom in one of my favorite sets. These are amazing!

pcgscacgold · October 17, 2025 2:27PM

Thanks @TomB Means a lot coming from you.

WACoinGuy · October 17, 2025 2:50PM

Man; I have a set of the classic quarter eagles but those pictures are making me think about going after the half eagles!

pcgscacgold · October 17, 2025 2:52PM

Thanks @WACoinGuy I needed bigger coins. My eyes are old

Quarter Eagles are nice too. I just have a few.

WACoinGuy · October 17, 2025 2:57PM

This is probably the nicest one from my quarter eagle collection - not as nice as yours, IMO (both from my so-so photography skills and the coin itself).

pcgscacgold · October 17, 2025 3:01PM

Very cool @WACoinGuy Love those obverse mint marks. I was lucky to get the 39-D to go with your 39-C. They look very similar.
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WACoinGuy · October 17, 2025 3:08PM

That is a nice compliment to the Charlotte. Mine is also XF-45, but no CAC - I've had the coin for quite a while, possibly before CAC was even around. One of these days I'm going to have to find someone locally to sit down and look at a CAC submission on some of my older coins.

pcgscacgold · October 17, 2025 3:13PM

@WACoinGuy Definitely worth it. Seems graded correctly. It will be up to the surfaces but all Charlottes are abraded since the planchettes were awful to start. Your surfaces look good so worth a try. I wouldn't sell it until you do.

WACoinGuy · October 17, 2025 3:27PM

Thanks - one of these days I'm going to have to put a list of CAC potential coins together from my collection and figure out the process to get them stickered since it looks like I'd have to go through an authorized dealer. Not planning to sell anything soon, but good to hear this one should be on that list.

Mr_Spud · October 17, 2025 6:16PM

All the coins posted in this thread are truly awesome 🤩

GuzziSport · October 18, 2025 5:27AM

No, this is not branch mint southern gold (oh, how I wish it was!), and I’ve posted this before, but I figured I’d throw in my only classic head half eagle - I’m not much of a collector of gold, but when I saw this beauty I could not pass it up… The color, the surfaces, the strike, the grade, and CAC’d. It just spoke to me.

Apologies to @pcgscacgold if I hijacked your thread! I LOVE your 38-C!!!

pcgscacgold · October 18, 2025 5:33AM

Beautiful coin @GuzziSport No worries at all with posting that Classic Head. All are welcome here. I am still in search of a 58CAC 1834. Should have been the easiest coin to find but people just love to hang onto these.

This is my 1834 HM5. She does seem nicer that AU53 but oh well.
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semikeycollector · October 18, 2025 8:13AM

PCGSCACGold,

Your intense level of specialization is very compelling! I love that 1838-C!
I collect Liberty $5. I'm more than happy to buy a rarer coin in the VF range.

TomB · October 18, 2025 9:49AM

I'd hesitated to post this previously because I, too, did not want to crap up your thread with other coins. However, if it is okay then this piece might join the conversation. It is obviously lower grade than some of the other wonderful coins, but I love these quarter and half eagles when they are still in the OGH and I attempt to pick them up every now and again. I pass on more than I buy because I still believe they have to be attractive and largely original, in my opinion, so my group of them is rather small. Here is one-

TomB · October 18, 2025 9:50AM

So, if anyone has an OGH Classic Head quarter of half eagle and they don't know how to dispose of the coin...please send me a shout out and I could give it a good home. I promise with the uptick in the price of gold that I won't send them off to the smelter!

pcgscacgold · October 18, 2025 1:51PM

@semikeycollector said:
PCGSCACGold,

Your intense level of specialization is very compelling! I love that 1838-C!
I collect Liberty $5. I'm more than happy to buy a rarer coin in the VF range.

Thanks @semikeycollector Once I allowed myself to think outside AU I was able to acquire the more difficult coins. The Classic Heads look very good in VF and XF grades.

pcgscacgold · October 18, 2025 1:53PM

@TomB Classic Heads can't crap up this thread. And a Charlotte on top of it. Great coin. First year type coin. First year for the mint. Excellent.

WACoinGuy · October 19, 2025 11:19AM

@TomB said:
So, if anyone has an OGH Classic Head quarter of half eagle and they don't know how to dispose of the coin...please send me a shout out and I could give it a good home. I promise with the uptick in the price of gold that I won't send them off to the smelter!

That's a nice one! I was just commenting I need to upgrade my 1838-C (OGH VF-20). Keep me in mind if you ever want to sell! And I'll keep you in mind if I acquire a new one want to sell mine.

My new 1838-C HM2 (perfect reverse) P30CAC $5

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