Half Eagle 1839 - 1861	Liberty Head 1839 - 1861
Diameter: 21.6 millimeters
Weight: 129 grains	Fineness: .900
Edge: Reeded	Designer: Christian Gobrecht

1842-D Small Date, Small Letters
Mintage: 37,917

The first 37,917 half eagles struck in 1842 at the Dahlonega Mint were small date, small letters in design. The balance of the production (21,691 half eagles) of that year was of the large date, large letters design. The 1842-D small date, small letter design is by far the most common half eagle of that year. Most examples of this date have a below average strike and surfaces that have significant marks, and are usually found in Very Fine to Extremely Fine condition. Original, uncleaned specimens have coloration ranging from orange-gold to green-gold and luster that is frosty and above average. Few examples exist with good eye appeal and they bring a premium when offered. Less than 195 specimens exist with less than 5% being Mint State.

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