Lot 26
26
$5, 1840 AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with moderate abrasions in keeping with the assigned grade. Slightly weak on certain details of the eagle, especially claws and lower legs. A relatively available issue, however, seldom offered in quality as this. Most 1840 half eagles are VF or EF.
Attractive 1840 Half Eagle
$5, 1840 AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with moderate abrasions in keeping with the assigned grade. Slightly weak on certain details of the eagle, especially claws and lower legs. A relatively available issue, however, seldom offered in quality as this. Most 1840 half eagles are VF or EF.

Details
$5, 1840 AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with moderate abrasions in keeping with the assigned grade. Slightly weak on certain details of the eagle, especially claws and lower legs. A relatively available issue, however, seldom offered in quality as this. Most 1840 half eagles are VF or EF.
Further details
This is the single finest example among three from the S.S. Central America treasure graded by PCGS. Half eagles of this year are known with different diameters known as Broad Mill and Narrow Mill. While distinguishing between the two is virtually impossible once certified and encapsulated, this appears to be the Narrow Mill variety based on observation of the obverse and reverse rims. The Liberty Head design by Christian Gobrecht was first employed in the half eagle series in 1839. The obverse motif was continued through 1908. In 1866 the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse.