1839-D $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle NGC AU58 Ex.S.S. New York

A superb example traced back to the collection of Samuel J. Berngard and Treasure Coins of the S.S. New York (Stacks, July 2008), lot 2032 where it reralized $18,400. In this very important recovery of superb federal gold coinage that sank on September 5, 1846 , this coin was a major standout. Two years later appeared in the New York Americana Sale by the same firm.

This is the auction catlaog description "...From the first year of Liberty half eagle coinage and the only date in the Liberty $5 series with an obverse mintmark (Charlotte also released half eagles in 1839); in 1840 the mintmark was moved to the reverse and remained there throughout the series. This landmark example of the date was sold by us in our first sale of treasures from the S.S. New York in July 2008. As no new examples of this date have been recovered by the salvors, this remains the finer of just two examples of the date taken from the wreck. Our description from July 2008 remains pertinent and is copied here: "A very impressive example of this scarce and distinctive issue which is typically seen in VF to EF grades, but is here offered so nicely preserved as to have nearly rated a Mint State grade. Close examination reveals a few scattered marks and trace evidence of wear on both sides, while the reverse shows ever so slight microscopic granularity. However, the connoisseur should not be deterred, as this is a very nice example overall offering sharp central detail for the issue, bold lustre and nice eye appeal. The more common of Doug Winter's two known varieties, identified by the position of the mintmark over the 39 in the date. This variety is noted for its superior strike quality in general. NGC has graded just five coins finer than this one, which says much about the desirability of the issue at this grade level. The finest example of the date recovered from the wreck."

Today, non-shipwreck 1839-D Half Eagles graded AU58 realize between $29,000 and $33,000. This is the ONLY shipwreck 1839 Dahlonega mint $5 Half Eagle that we are aware of...!