Half Eagle -> 1839-C

Vitae

  • Half Eagles 1838 - 1861
  • Liberty Head 1839 - 1861
  • Diameter: 22.5 millimeters
  • Fineness: .900
  • Weight: 129 grains
  • Designer: Christian Gobrecht
  • Edge: Reeded
  • Coiner: John R. Bolton

The 1839-C is a far more common date than the 1838-C in terms of its overall rarity. However, it is extremely underrated in higher grades. The 1839-C becomes a very rare coin in the higher About Uncirculated range and it is exceedingly rare in full Mint State; even more so than the heralded 1838-C. Two very important varieties exist and most collectors include both in their sets. We have included close-ups of both varieties in order to make attribution of your coin as easy as possible.

Condition Census

  1. Private collection, ex Eastern dealer's inventory, 1996-1997. PCGS graded MS-64. Struck on a highly polished planchet with exceptional details and broad, partially squared rims. This coin is a specimen striking in my opinion.
  2. Private collection, ex Elrod collection, Bowers and Ruddy Garrett I (11/79): 480, Thomas Elder (11/20). Later graded MS-63 by NGC.
  3. Paul Dingler collection, ex Doug Winter, Stack's/Akers/RARCOA Numisma 95 (11/95): 1450, Stack's 5/95: 432, Ed Milas collection; possibly earlier sold as Lot 2484 in Superior's 6/87 Ebsen sale. Graded MS-61 by NGC. The plate coin in this book.
  4. National Gold Exchange inventory, ex Heritage 1998 FUN sale: 7790 (at $20,700), Donald Carter collection, possibly ex Stack's George Walton sale (10/63): 2083. Graded MS-61 by NGC.
  5. (tie) Wisconsin collection, ex Doug Winter/Lee Minshull, David Akers Numismatics' John Jay Pittman sale, Part One (10/97): 945 (at $18,700), Sotheby's King Farouk sale (3/54), Col. E.H.R. Green collection. Later graded MS-60 by NGC (and) Jim Gray collection, ex Winthrop Carner, Doug Winter, Casey Noxon, Hugh Sconyers. Graded MS-60 by PCGS.