The Survival Estimate represents an average of one or more experts' opinions as to how many examples survive of a particular coin in three categories: 1) all grades, 2) 60 or better, and 3) 65 or better. These estimates are based on a variety of sources, including population reports, auction appearances, and personal knowledge. Survival estimates include coins that are raw, certified by PCGS, and certified by other grading services.
Numismatic Rarity
Numismatic Rarity converts the Survival Estimate for a particular coin into a number from 1 to 10 (with decimal increments) based on the PCGS Rarity Scale. The higher the number, the more rare the coin.
Relative Rarity By Type
Relative Rarity By Type ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Type. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
Relative Rarity By Series
Relative Rarity By Series ranks the rarity of this coin with all other coins of this Series. Lower numbers indicate rarer coins.
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.
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.
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