Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Classic Half Eagles
1838 $5 MS64 PCGS. Breen-6515, McCloskey 2-B, R.1. The 1838 Classic Head half eagle is scarcer in Mint State than earlier Philadelphia issues of this type, and it is noticeably rare in Choice condition. Gem or better coins are extremely rare. In their gold coin Encyclopedia, Garrett and Guth write: "In Mint State, the population drops off dramatically and virtually stops at MS64." However, the rarity of auction appearances even in MS64 suggests that the reported population in this grade is highly inflated by resubmissions. Our Permanent Auction Archives list 83 offerings of a Mint State 1838 half eagle, but with only six of those in MS64 and finer condition. A broader examination of auction results over the past few decades shows comparable evidence that MS64 coins are virtually as rare as their higher-grade counterparts.
The present coin displays frosty, glowing yellow-gold luster and an impressively sharp strike throughout the central devices and peripheral stars. A few light grazes appear beneath a loupe, but this near-Gem 1838 half eagle boasts nonetheless outstanding eye appeal. Population: 20 in 64, 5 finer (10/16).
From The Soluna Collection.
1838 $5 MS64 PCGS. Breen-6515, McCloskey 2-B, R.1. The 1838 Classic Head half eagle is scarcer in Mint State than earlier Philadelphia issues of this type, and it is noticeably rare in Choice condition. Gem or better coins are extremely rare. In their gold coin Encyclopedia, Garrett and Guth write: "In Mint State, the population drops off dramatically and virtually stops at MS64." However, the rarity of auction appearances even in MS64 suggests that the reported population in this grade is highly inflated by resubmissions. Our Permanent Auction Archives list 83 offerings of a Mint State 1838 half eagle, but with only six of those in MS64 and finer condition. A broader examination of auction results over the past few decades shows comparable evidence that MS64 coins are virtually as rare as their higher-grade counterparts.
The present coin displays frosty, glowing yellow-gold luster and an impressively sharp strike throughout the central devices and peripheral stars. A few light grazes appear beneath a loupe, but this near-Gem 1838 half eagle boasts nonetheless outstanding eye appeal. Population: 20 in 64, 5 finer (10/16).
From The Soluna Collection.