i just purchased the finest known example of this date, a PCGS MS63+, for $43,700 at the recent Goldberg 2/12 sale of the Helem collection. The present example, while obviously not in the same league, is still far, far above-average for the date and grade.   
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In 1838 and 1839, the first variety of the Liberty Head eagle was produced. It is easy to spot with a curved neckline on the portrait and the tip of the tiara very close to the sixth star on the obverse. The 1839/8 is the more available of the two issues but its status as a distinct type make it very popular with collectors. This dirty example has rich yellow gold undertones below russet highlights on the obverse and the reverse.   
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This problem-free, evenly worn example features dramatic natural reddish-gold color on the obverse and the reverse. This color is not quite dramatic enough to suggest that the coin was stored in a leather pouch but the depth of the color is unusual and the subsequent eye appeal is off the charts for a coin graded EF40.  
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I can’t think of a Dahlonega issue that is more popular than the 1838-D half eagle. It is the first coin of this denomination made at this mint and it is a one-year type with the popular Classic Head design and the presence of the mintmark on the obverse. It is not a major rarity but it is an issue that appears on nearly every Dahlonega specialists’ want list; as well as on many non-D mint collectors as well.   
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BD-1, High Rarity-4. There are probably no more than 100 or so known for this date and it is considerably harder to find than the 1818 and 1820, its two rivals in the Fat Head series when it comes to overall rarity and price. This piece is lightly circulated but its slightly weak strike makes it appear a bit more worn than it actually is.   
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Old Green Label holder. By today’s standards, I grade this coin a solid AU58. While showing a typical strike with some weakness at this center, there is little else that is “typical” about this coin. It shows attractive deep, even green-gold color on the obverse and reverse with a good deal of underlying luster.   
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