Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Early Half Eagles
1820 $5 Curl Base 2, Large Letters, BD-5, R.6, MS64 PCGS. CAC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/b. A series-record mintage of 263,806 Capped Head Left half eagles was produced in 1820, with nine die varieties known for the date. PCGS CoinFacts groups the Bass-Dannreuther varieties into three major subtypes:
1. Square Base 2 (BD-1, BD-2, BD-3, and BD-4), with approximately 100 examples extant.
2. Curl Base 2, Small Letters (BD-6 and BD-8), with 13-15 specimens known.
3. Curl Base 2, Large Letters (BD-5, BD-7, and BD-9), with 30-40 coins all told.
The Curl Base 2 and Square Base 2 are easily distinguished, but the difference in size between the letters in the reverse legend can be difficult to recognize, unless an example of each type is available for for direct comparison. Fortunately, all the T's in the Large Letters legend show a notch near the bottom right of the upright, making it easy to differentiate this type from its Small Letters counterpart. The coin offered here is an example of the Curl Base 2, Large Letters, BD-5 variety, with the lowest curl mostly over the 2 in the date and the lowest arrow pointing to the top of I in AMERICA. The BD-5 is a rare issue in absolute terms, with a surviving population of 20-25 examples in all grades. However, it is still probably the most available of the Curl Base 2, Large Letters varieties. The elusive nature of the BD-5 has been somewhat underappreciated in recent years, perhaps because four specimens of this rare variety surfaced in the fabulous Harry Bass Collection, making the BD-5 seem more available than it really is.
The present coin is a spectacular Choice specimen, with well-preserved orange-gold surfaces and especially vibrant mint luster on both sides. The design elements are sharply detailed and there are no signs of planchet adjustment marks. Visual appeal is terrific. This coin will be a welcome addition to a fine collection of early U.S. gold. Housed in a green label holder. Population (Curl Base 2, Large Letters): 1 in 64, 5 finer (9/16).
From The Hutchinson Collection.
1820 $5 Curl Base 2, Large Letters, BD-5, R.6, MS64 PCGS. CAC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/b. A series-record mintage of 263,806 Capped Head Left half eagles was produced in 1820, with nine die varieties known for the date. PCGS CoinFacts groups the Bass-Dannreuther varieties into three major subtypes:
1. Square Base 2 (BD-1, BD-2, BD-3, and BD-4), with approximately 100 examples extant.
2. Curl Base 2, Small Letters (BD-6 and BD-8), with 13-15 specimens known.
3. Curl Base 2, Large Letters (BD-5, BD-7, and BD-9), with 30-40 coins all told.
The Curl Base 2 and Square Base 2 are easily distinguished, but the difference in size between the letters in the reverse legend can be difficult to recognize, unless an example of each type is available for for direct comparison. Fortunately, all the T's in the Large Letters legend show a notch near the bottom right of the upright, making it easy to differentiate this type from its Small Letters counterpart. The coin offered here is an example of the Curl Base 2, Large Letters, BD-5 variety, with the lowest curl mostly over the 2 in the date and the lowest arrow pointing to the top of I in AMERICA. The BD-5 is a rare issue in absolute terms, with a surviving population of 20-25 examples in all grades. However, it is still probably the most available of the Curl Base 2, Large Letters varieties. The elusive nature of the BD-5 has been somewhat underappreciated in recent years, perhaps because four specimens of this rare variety surfaced in the fabulous Harry Bass Collection, making the BD-5 seem more available than it really is.
The present coin is a spectacular Choice specimen, with well-preserved orange-gold surfaces and especially vibrant mint luster on both sides. The design elements are sharply detailed and there are no signs of planchet adjustment marks. Visual appeal is terrific. This coin will be a welcome addition to a fine collection of early U.S. gold. Housed in a green label holder. Population (Curl Base 2, Large Letters): 1 in 64, 5 finer (9/16).
From The Hutchinson Collection.