Nice luster. Well struck. Attractive yellow-golden surfaces. Moderately scuffed and contact marked surfaces. At the same time that Congress authorized the Dahlonega Mint, it also designated a Branch Mint in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte began coining operations on March 28, 1838 when it began minting $5 Half Eagle gold pieces. Coins were minted uninterrupted until North Carolina seceded from the Union on May 21, 1861.