Heritage World Coin Auctions
Dallas Signature Sale 1373 28-31 Mar 2024
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Early Half Eagles
1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-4, R.5, AU55 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/a, with a faint die crack from the edge to star 12 and a perfect reverse. The United States Mint struck gold coins for the first time in 1795 and half eagles were the first denomination produced. Mint records indicate a small mintage of 8,707 Capped Bust Right Small Eagle half eagles was accomplished before the end of the year, but it is likely that some more 1795-dated coins were struck in 1796, as the Mint often continued using coinage dies as long as they were serviceable, regardless of calendar year. In fact, it is virtually certain that some 1795-dated half eagles were struck as late as 1798, using leftover obverse dies from 1795 combined with later Heraldic Eagle reverses. Twelve die varieties are known for the date with the Small Eagle reverse and another three varieties have been identified with the Heraldic Eagle motif. This coin represents the BD-4 Small Eagle variety, with star 11 joining the Y in LIBERTY and three berries in the wreath on the reverse. The obverse die was used previously to strike the BD-2 and BD-3 varieties of this date. This was the only use of the reverse die. The BD-4 dies were probably used to strike 1,000 to 1,500 examples of the reported mintage. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 60 to 75 examples in all grades today.
The present coin is an impressive Choice AU specimen that shows just a trace of wear on the high points of the strongly impressed design elements. Much interior detail remains intact, including most of Liberty's curls and some delicate feathers on the eagle's breast. The lightly abraded orange-gold surfaces exhibit a mix of satiny mint luster and prooflike reflectivity in sheltered areas. The overall presentation is most attractive. This coin will be a welcome addition to a fine collection of early gold.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-half-eagles/1795-5-small-eagle-bd-4-r5-au55-pcgs/a/1373-3091.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-USCoins-1373-03282024
HID02906262019
© 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-4, R.5, AU55 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/a, with a faint die crack from the edge to star 12 and a perfect reverse. The United States Mint struck gold coins for the first time in 1795 and half eagles were the first denomination produced. Mint records indicate a small mintage of 8,707 Capped Bust Right Small Eagle half eagles was accomplished before the end of the year, but it is likely that some more 1795-dated coins were struck in 1796, as the Mint often continued using coinage dies as long as they were serviceable, regardless of calendar year. In fact, it is virtually certain that some 1795-dated half eagles were struck as late as 1798, using leftover obverse dies from 1795 combined with later Heraldic Eagle reverses. Twelve die varieties are known for the date with the Small Eagle reverse and another three varieties have been identified with the Heraldic Eagle motif. This coin represents the BD-4 Small Eagle variety, with star 11 joining the Y in LIBERTY and three berries in the wreath on the reverse. The obverse die was used previously to strike the BD-2 and BD-3 varieties of this date. This was the only use of the reverse die. The BD-4 dies were probably used to strike 1,000 to 1,500 examples of the reported mintage. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population at 60 to 75 examples in all grades today.
The present coin is an impressive Choice AU specimen that shows just a trace of wear on the high points of the strongly impressed design elements. Much interior detail remains intact, including most of Liberty's curls and some delicate feathers on the eagle's breast. The lightly abraded orange-gold surfaces exhibit a mix of satiny mint luster and prooflike reflectivity in sheltered areas. The overall presentation is most attractive. This coin will be a welcome addition to a fine collection of early gold.
https://coins.ha.com/itm/early-half-eagles/1795-5-small-eagle-bd-4-r5-au55-pcgs/a/1373-3091.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-USCoins-1373-03282024
HID02906262019
© 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved