1838-D Classic Head Half Eagle. HM-1, Winter 1-A, the only known dies. Rarity-3. MS-63 (PCGS). One of the finest known specimens of the only Classic Head $5 issue struck at the Dahlonega Mint, this exquisite Choice Mint State 1838-D half eagle retains profound cartwheel within the obverse and reverse peripheries. Well struck and appealingly bright, this coin shows even yellow-gold color, perhaps a bit deeper on the reverse than obverse. The obverse is quite satiny, while the reverse is more matte-like at center, where some light natural granularity is visible under magnification. The eye appeal is outstanding. A slightly blurry planchet streak (as made) around two tiny planchet laminations is noted below the lower ribbon behind Libertys hair, and a vestige of a slightly darker toning area remains above the wing at left; both features are mentioned solely as identifiers for tracking this coins appearance in future market appearances.<p>This issue garners interest from several different quarters. Type collectors seek it out as the only Dahlonega Mint Classic Head half eagle. Dahlonega specialists require examples to complete date runs, and those who pursue first year of issue coins cherish the 1838-D as the first half eagle of the Dahlonega Mint. Those groups compete for the small number of high grade 1838-D half eagles extant, and demand pressure is heightened by the propensity of Southern gold enthusiasts to collect multiple specimens. This was one of several fine 1838-D half eagles in the famous Dukes Creek Collection. Chosen as the second finest example in that cabinet, it was sold as a duplicate under the name "Chestatee Collection" in Heritages August 1999 American Numismatic Association sale. The front line Dukes Creek coin is ranked CC#2 in Doug Winters 2013 Condition Census and CC#1 in Daryl J. Haynors 2020 listing, while the present example was accorded the ranking of CC#3 in the former and CC#2 in the latter. This coin is tied with one other, the Milford Collection specimen last sold in January 2011, as the finest ever certified by PCGS. PCGS# 8178. NGC ID: 25S6. PCGS Population: 2; 0 finer. Ex Dukes Creek Collection; Heritages sale of the Chestatee Collection (Dukes Creek Collection duplicates), August 1999 Chicago ANA Signature Auction, lot 7665; Andrew Nugget, September 2000; D. Brent Pogue Collection; our sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, May 2016, lot 4059.
