1850-D $5 (1850-D Half Eagle), PCGS XF40. This Dahlonega 1850-D Half Eagle clearly shows sufficient detail to meet the requirements for the grade. The curls down Libertys neck are plain as is the lower three-quarters of the top of the coronet. The centers of the coin, which are often weakly struck, show considerable detail. In particular the reverse shield is full and sharp. For the grade, the surfaces are clean and free of distractions. The coin comes in a PCGS OGH, old green holder.

The discovery of gold in the early 1800s led to the establishment of two of the Southern branch Mints, Charlotte North Carolina and Dahlonega Georgia. In 1835 an act of Congress mandated that these two branch mints would coin only gold. The New Orleans Mint also opened to handle gold from Mexico. In 1838 the first Dahlonega gold coins were made, and they were the Classic Head Half Eagle type. Because of the local alloys high silver content, Dahlonega gold coins often have a green-gold cast. They are also often weakly struck on irregular planchets.

Dahlonega gold coins are eagerly sought by collectors and investors because of their low mintages and rarity. Modern D mint coins should not be confused with Dahlonega coins. Today a coin bearing the D mintmark was minted in Denver, which began production in 1906.