1838 Half Eagle $5 NGC MS61. Lustrous BU. With a mintage of 286,588 pieces, the 1838 half eagle struck at the Philadelphia Mint can not be considered to be a truly scarce issue. Yet, it is surprisingly hard to find in uncirculated condition with something else than heavily bagmarked surfaces. Most coins that have survived do so in circulated condition, and heavy circulation between banks have caused the coins that technically grade uncirculated to obtain heavy marks from contact with other coins. Coins that have only a limited number of these marks are very popular, and are often quickly placed into specialized collections are advanced type sets, as this five dollar design was only struck for four years in the 1830s, before being replaced with the long-lived Liberty head design that lasted into the 20th century. As such, an offering such as the present should not be underestimated.

The present coin, although certified by NGC as MS-61 only have a limited number of marks in the fields and on the devices. While they are there, causing the limitation of the grade awarded to it by NGC, they are not very distracting and rather minimal. Fresh and abundant luster is visible on both sides, which have been sharply impressed and show all the important details of the design. Light yellow gold coloration is seen, slightly darker near the centers, which is quite pleasing in hand with no discoloration are copper spots to be noted. While higher graded coins are sometimes available, the premium quality of the surfaces of this piece for the grade makes it an excellent representative in an uncirculated type set of 19th century gold coinage.