1838-D $5 Classic Head Half Eagle NGC AU55

We at AUCM are proud to offer a true rarity, an 1838-D Classic Head half eagle graded NGC AU55. Doug Winter writes, "The 1838-D half eagle is a very desirable issue. It is the first coin of this denomination struck at the Dahlonega Mint and the only Classic Head half eagle produced at this facility. ... its popularity makes it one of the most highly valued Dahlonega half eagles." This example would be perfect for a set of the most important U.S. gold coins. If you wish to develop such a set, please reach out to AUCM for professional assistance.

Up until the creation of the $5 Classic Head half eagle in 1834, foreign silver, underweight foreign gold, and fractional banknotes served as money in everyday U.S. commerce. Contemporary U.S. gold coins--with a bullion value in international markets that surpassed their face value in gold--were continuously the object of melting during the pre-1834 period. The one gold coin that realized the most elimination through melting was the Capped Head half eagle of 1813-1834. The Mint Act of 1834 dramatically altered that practice, producing gold coins that were reduced in weight so that they would circulate--which had not happened since 1795.

U.S. Mint Director Samuel Moore ordered chief mint engraver William Kneass to create a totally new design. To that end, Kneass crafted a dishevel-haired and decidedly boyish Liberty facing left, with thick and curly tresses held in place by a headband inscribed LIBERTY. The date was set below and the handsome, youthful head was encircled with 13 stars. The reverse featured the open-winged eagle from the previous version of the coin, surrounded by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 5 D. Moore decided to delete the scroll that had carried the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM since 1807--to help distinguish the new issues from earlier ones.