1838-D Half Eagle

$20,000 New

PCGS Coin Number: 8178

The 1838-D is the third-rarest issue of the type, but not nearly as rare as the 1834 Crosslet 4 or the 1838-C. This was the first year of coin production at the Dahlonega Mint, and the coin features a mintmark just above the date. All 20,000+ coins were struck from a single die pair. Most survivors are found in circulated condition, although a fair number of nice About Uncirculated examples exist. Mint State examples are very rare, topped by three certified examples at the MS-63 level. This date appears at auction frequently; and the record auction price was set in 2003, when an NGC MS-63 sold for $36,800. The Smithsonian has three examples, none better than AU-58.