1842-C Liberty Head Half Eagle. Small Date. Winter-1, the only known dies. Die State II. AU Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).An impressive, highly significant absolute and condition rarity from the earlier years of Charlotte Mint half eagle production. The combination of superior striking quality and minimal circulation have combined to offer an uncommonly sharp coin in a C-Mint five. Both sides are a bit subdued with a matte-like texture to explain the NGC qualifier, but they are free of sizable marks and have retoned nicely in warm honey-rose patina. Uncommonly attractive for the assigned grade, this is an appealing coin in hand that would do justice to an advanced Southern gold cabinet.The Charlotte Mint produced two distinct varieties of half eagle in 1842. The Small Date, offered here, was almost certainly struck first since the date logotype is the same size as that seen on Liberty Head half eagles of 1839 to 1841. This variety has a paltry mintage of 4,595 coins and is far rarer than its identically dated Large Date counterpart, produced to the extent of 23,589 coins. In fact, the 1842-C Small Date is the rarest Charlotte Mint half eagle and the second rarest issue from this coinage facility after the legendary 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar. Fewer than 100 coins are extant, most of which grade no finer than Choice VF. In solidly graded About Uncirculated the present example still ranks among the finer certified despite the state qualifier.All known 1842-C Small Date half eagles were struck from a single die pairing, although there are two die states. Die State I is from perfect dies while on Die State II coins, as here, a prominent obverse rim cud is present at 12 oclock.PCGS# 8208. NGC ID: 25SV.From the Trebuchet Collection.
