1840 Half Eagle (1840 $5) Broad Mill, NGC AU55. This lustrous half eagle is buttery yellow. Mint luster shines Liberty’s hair and profile as well as the devices on the reverse. Except for a few minor ticks, the coin is free of distracting marks or blemishes.

There is a slight bit of wear on the high points of both sides, consistent with the grade. The strike is full and sharp on both sides. Although not noted on the NGC holder as an error coin, the dies are rotated. In 1839 Christian Gobrecht redesigned the half eagle. The next year the coin was slightly modified to produce the Second Head. The “Broad Mill,” which is a subtype, has very fine edge reeding.

The eagles of the 1839 design type were minted until 1907. From 1866 on, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added. Eagles from 1838 to the 1870’s are easily available in lower circulated grades. The present coin is scarce in all grades.