1839-D Liberty Head Half Eagle. Winter 2-A. AU-58 (PCGS).
Both sides remain thoroughly lustrous despite a short stay in circulation, with cartwheel spinning around both sides. The surfaces are pleasing light yellow-gold and display only minor, easily overlooked marks from a brief stint in active circulation. The field in front of Liberty's chin and beneath her bun is a bit low and granular, as struck, and similar texture is present but less noticeable above and below the eagle on the reverse. The strike is very nice for the issue, though the ear is a bit flat from light gentle wear, but the fine details of the eagle's talons and other often-soft areas are well defined. A slender reverse die crack appears at the tips of the denticles above the space between the letters in the word OF. The opportunity to bid on multiple high grade 1839-D half eagles in the same auction event is a rare one under normal market conditions. This premium Choice AU with an impressive provenance to the magnificent Pogue cabinet is sure to see spirited competition. It is destined for inclusion in another world class gold collection.
PCGS# 8193. NGC ID: 25S9.
PCGS Population: 7; 8 finer (MS-62 finest).
Ex Larry Hanks, February 2010; D. Brent Pogue Collection; our sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV, May 2016, lot 4062.