Heritage World Coin Auctions
FUN Signature US Coin Sale 1251 4-6 & 8-9 Jan 2017
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Early Half Eagles
1810 $5 Large Date, Large 5, BD-4, R.2, MS61 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/a. Numismatists have identified four die varieties of 1810 half eagles, two with large numerals in the date and two that employ smaller punches. Aside from the size difference, the smaller numerals have pointed-top 1's, while the large 1's are nearly flat. This coin represents the BD-4 variety, with the Large Date and a Large 5 in the denomination on the reverse. The BD-4 is an available variety, with a surviving population of 500-750 examples in all grades. The obverse die was used previously to strike the BD-3 variety of this date, but this was the only use of the reverse die.
The present coin is a sharply detailed Mint State specimen from an early state of the dies. Fine definition shows in Liberty's hair and all star radials are complete. Star 13 shows John Reich's signature notched point. The pleasing antique-gold surfaces retain much of their original mint luster and only minor, grade-consistent contact marks are evident.
1810 $5 Large Date, Large 5, BD-4, R.2, MS61 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/a. Numismatists have identified four die varieties of 1810 half eagles, two with large numerals in the date and two that employ smaller punches. Aside from the size difference, the smaller numerals have pointed-top 1's, while the large 1's are nearly flat. This coin represents the BD-4 variety, with the Large Date and a Large 5 in the denomination on the reverse. The BD-4 is an available variety, with a surviving population of 500-750 examples in all grades. The obverse die was used previously to strike the BD-3 variety of this date, but this was the only use of the reverse die.
The present coin is a sharply detailed Mint State specimen from an early state of the dies. Fine definition shows in Liberty's hair and all star radials are complete. Star 13 shows John Reich's signature notched point. The pleasing antique-gold surfaces retain much of their original mint luster and only minor, grade-consistent contact marks are evident.