1853-D Liberty Head Half Eagle. Large D. MS-63 (PCGS).This is a beautiful example with vivid reddish-gold patina to both sides. The strike is superior by the standards of the issuing mint, the detail sharp to full apart from minor softness at the top of Libertys portrait on the obverse and at the base of the eagle on the reverse. Lustrous with a satin to softly frosted texture, subtle pinkish-rose peripheral highlights further enhance already memorable eye appeal. With an unusually generous mintage (by Dahlonega Mint standards) of 89,678 pieces, it should perhaps come as no surprise to read that the 1853-D is the most common half eagle from this coinage facility. Examples in VF and EF are obtainable with ease and, although scarce, enough AUs survive that there are usually numerous auction appearances for such pieces in any given year. Mint State coins are another matter, however, for the 1853-D is a noteworthy condition rarity at this level. In Choice MS-63 the present example qualifies as Condition Census, a coin that would serve as a highlight in the finest Liberty Head half eagle collection, Southern gold cabinet, or mintmarked type set. Outstanding!
