Heritage World Coin Auctions
CSNS Signature US Coin Sale 1254 26-28 Apr 2017
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Early Half Eagles
1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-4, R.5, AU55 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/a. Mint records indicate 8,707 Capped Bust Right half eagles were struck in 1795, the first year gold coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. It is likely that more 1795-dated coins were struck in 1796, as well, as the Mint was reluctant to waste valuable coin dies and usually continued to use them until they failed, regardless of the calendar year. Twelve 1795-dated die varieties are known with the Small Eagle reverse, and another three varieties have been identified that feature the Large Eagle reverse, but these were probably struck in 1798. This coin represents the BD-4 variety, with star 11 joining Y in LIBERTY, and three berries in the wreath on the reverse. The BD-4 is a scarce variety, with a surviving population of 60-75 examples in all grades. It probably accounted for 1,000-1,500 pieces of the reported mintage. The obverse die was also used to strike the BD-2 and BD-3 varieties of this date, but this was the only use of the reverse die.
The present coin is an impressive Choice AU specimen that shows just a touch of actual wear on the well-detailed design elements. Much interior design detail remains intact on the bust and eagle's wings. The still-lustrous antique-gold surfaces show some scattered minor abrasions and thin scratches on both sides. Overall eye appeal is quite strong for the grade.
From The Hutchinson Collection, Part II.
HID02901242017
1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-4, R.5, AU55 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/a. Mint records indicate 8,707 Capped Bust Right half eagles were struck in 1795, the first year gold coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. It is likely that more 1795-dated coins were struck in 1796, as well, as the Mint was reluctant to waste valuable coin dies and usually continued to use them until they failed, regardless of the calendar year. Twelve 1795-dated die varieties are known with the Small Eagle reverse, and another three varieties have been identified that feature the Large Eagle reverse, but these were probably struck in 1798. This coin represents the BD-4 variety, with star 11 joining Y in LIBERTY, and three berries in the wreath on the reverse. The BD-4 is a scarce variety, with a surviving population of 60-75 examples in all grades. It probably accounted for 1,000-1,500 pieces of the reported mintage. The obverse die was also used to strike the BD-2 and BD-3 varieties of this date, but this was the only use of the reverse die.
The present coin is an impressive Choice AU specimen that shows just a touch of actual wear on the well-detailed design elements. Much interior design detail remains intact on the bust and eagle's wings. The still-lustrous antique-gold surfaces show some scattered minor abrasions and thin scratches on both sides. Overall eye appeal is quite strong for the grade.
From The Hutchinson Collection, Part II.
HID02901242017