1812 $5 MS65 NGC....

Description

Splendid Gem 1812 BD-1 Wide 5D Half Eagle

1812 $5 MS65 NGC. Wide 5D, Breen-6466, BD-1, R.3. Two 1812 half eagle varieties are known from a single obverse die. The spacing of the denomination on the reverse provides immediate visual identification. The D is mostly under the branch stem on the Wide 5D variety, and it is mostly under the arrow feather on the Close 5D variety. This Gem is an early die state of the first struck 1812 variety, with no evidence of clash marks or other die deterioration.
We have only handled six MS65 examples of the date in all of our past sales back to 1993, with none finer. Those six pieces are equally divided between the two varieties, although the Close 5D variety is considered scarcer overall, according to John Dannreuther in Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties, A Study of Die State, 1795-1834. He estimates that 300 to 450 examples of the BD-1 variety are known, with about 80 to 100 of the BD-2 variety surviving today.
The 1812 represents the final year of issue of the Capped Bust Left half eagles that were first struck in 1807 after John Reich prepared the designs. It is one of the more plentiful dates of the series, along with 1807 and 1810. These coins make excellent choices for type collectors who seek a single high quality example of the design.
This gorgeous Gem has exceptional aesthetic appeal. It is a coin that the connoisseur will appreciate for its bold strike, rich greenish-gold luster, and frosty mint surfaces. A hint of pale orange toning adds to its eye appeal. There are few marks on the exceptional surfaces with a single nick below the left (facing) wing near the E in UNITED serving as a pedigree marker. Census: 9 in 65, 0 finer (11/09).(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25PL, PCGS# 8112, GSID# 8817)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 8.75 grams
AGW: 0.25789oz
Mintage: 58,087

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

View Certification Details from NGC