1844-D $5 F12 Certification #10737350, PCGS #8221

Doug Winter

Along with the 1843-D and the 1845-D, the 1844-D is one of the most obtainable Dahlonega half eagles struck during the 1840’s. Of these three dates, the 1844-D is the scarcest in high grades.

The 1844-D half eagle is relatively common in lower grades. It becomes very scarce in About Uncirculated-53and quite rare in the highest About Uncirculated grades. It is a very rare coin in Mint State.

STRIKE: As with the 1843-D half eagle, the 1844-D shows an above average quality of strike for a Dahlonega issue. The obverse is quite sharp with the exception of the curls near the face which may show weakness. The reverse is also sharp with strong feather and wing tip detail visible on most pieces. On some 1944-D half eagles, the eagle’s right leg shows weakness.

SURFACES: For some reason, many show mint-made imperfections such as grainy areas, chips out of the planchet or grease stains. A number are also liberally abraded and show deep, detracting marks in the fields or on the devices.

LUSTER: This issue generally has very good luster. It is most often frosty but examples are known which are semi-prooflike.

COLORATION: Uncleaned, original 1844-D half eagles have been seen with a broad range of coloration. This ranges from light green to dark green-gold to rich yellow-orange. Locating pieces with fully original color has become a real challenge.

EYE APPEAL: It is possible to locate an example which has good eye appeal. But, a number of otherwise choice 1844-D half eagles show noticeable mint-made planchet imperfections, as described above.

DIE VARIETIES: At present only one die variety is known. Given the relatively high mintage figure of this date, it is probable that others exist.

Variety 11-H: On the obverse, the second 4 in the date is closer to the neck of Liberty than it is to the denticles. The reverse has a Medium D mintmark and it is the same as found on the 1843-D Medium D coins.

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David Akers (1975/88)

Although by no means common, the 1844-D is one of the more available Dahlonega Mint Half Eagles and a small number of choice uncirculated examples are known. However, most known specimens are in the VF to EF range.