Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Early Half Eagles
1798 $5 Large Eagle, Small 8, BD-6, R.6, MS61 PCGS. CAC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/b. A crack runs from the left side of the O in OF down to the eagle's wing. Variety BD-6 is identified by a Small or Normal 8 in the date, star 1 far from the lowest curl, star 9 away from the Y in LIBERTY. In John Dannreuther's estimation, 30 to 40 examples of this rare die pair survive. BD-7 and BD-8 are the only other Small 8 varieties, with six to 10 and 40 to 50 coins extant, respectively. Small 8 coins, listed separately in the annual Guide Book, are extremely rare in Mint State. The example offered here is tied with one other for finest at PCGS. It is the only CAC-approved Small 8 representative in Uncirculated condition (10/16).
The eye appeal of this mint 1798 half eagle is unparalleled, a direct result of glowing luster over warm honey-gold surfaces. Definition is strong around the edges, including the fletchings and tailfeathers, but lacking on the interior high points. As-made adjustment marks appear centrally on the reverse. Small abrasions peppered throughout account for the grade.
From The Hutchinson Collection.
1798 $5 Large Eagle, Small 8, BD-6, R.6, MS61 PCGS. CAC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/b. A crack runs from the left side of the O in OF down to the eagle's wing. Variety BD-6 is identified by a Small or Normal 8 in the date, star 1 far from the lowest curl, star 9 away from the Y in LIBERTY. In John Dannreuther's estimation, 30 to 40 examples of this rare die pair survive. BD-7 and BD-8 are the only other Small 8 varieties, with six to 10 and 40 to 50 coins extant, respectively. Small 8 coins, listed separately in the annual Guide Book, are extremely rare in Mint State. The example offered here is tied with one other for finest at PCGS. It is the only CAC-approved Small 8 representative in Uncirculated condition (10/16).
The eye appeal of this mint 1798 half eagle is unparalleled, a direct result of glowing luster over warm honey-gold surfaces. Definition is strong around the edges, including the fletchings and tailfeathers, but lacking on the interior high points. As-made adjustment marks appear centrally on the reverse. Small abrasions peppered throughout account for the grade.
From The Hutchinson Collection.