1846-D/D $5 AU50 Certification #05567834, PCGS #8229

Doug Winter

The 1846-D over D half eagle is a popular variety which is generally collected alongside the 1846-D Normal Mintmark. This variety is so clear to the naked eye that it has been included in all standard price guides of U.S. coins and it is recognized by the major grading services.

The 1846-D over D half eagle is usually found in Very Fine to Extremely Fine grades. It is quite rare in About Uncirculated and many of the About Uncirculated coins which exist are not choice. This date is more available in Mint State than one might expect but it is still very rare in Uncirculated grades.

STRIKE: The 1846-D over D half eagle is found with a better strike than its Normal Mintmark counterpart. It is sharp at the peripheries and some show completely defined radial lines in the stars and bold denticles. On the reverse, the eagle’s legs are often weak while the rest of the details are rather sharp. The centers may show some light clashmarks. All known examples have a horizontal die scratch below the first star and a series of tiny die scratches past the thirteenth star.

SURFACES: Most 1846-D over D half eagles show abrasions on the surfaces. However, it is possible to locate pieces which are reasonably clean. Some show mint-made striations in the fields or small patches of roughness.

LUSTER: The luster is generally far superior to the Normal Mintmark variety. High grade coins have very frosty luster which is among the best seen on any Dahlonega product from the 1840’s.

COLORATION: Some original, uncleaned examples of this date exist that have superb coloration. It can range from rich green-gold to intense coppery-orange. The typical piece has been cleaned or dipped and has a washed-out appearance as a result.

EYE APPEAL: The vast majority of 1846-D half eagles with good eye appeal have the D over D reverse. Pieces exist with good strikes, relatively clean surfaces, full luster and very good coloration.

DIE VARIETIES: One die variety is currently known to exist.

Variety 15-L: This variety uses the low date obverse which was described under 1846-D Normal Mintmark, Variety 15-J. On the reverse, the mintmark was first punched too high and too far to the right. The second mintmark is lower and further to the left. The left edge of the mintmark is positioned over the center of the right diagonal of the V in FIVE. The upright of the mintmark is over the right serif of the right diagonal of the V while the right edge of the mintmark is over the right edge of the middle segment of the E in FIVE. The mintmark is placed the same distance from the feather and the stem.

This reverse was later polished to efface the D over D mintmark and it was reused in 1847.