1836 $5 MS65 PCGS....

Description

Fantastic Gem 1836 Half Eagle

1836 $5 MS65 PCGS. Small Head, Large Date, Breen-6508, McCloskey 5-D, R.3. A Block 8 obverse with a small, evenly sized date is paired with a reverse that has the truncation of the olive branch's stem almost exactly corresponding to the top of the D in the denomination. Production of the half eagle was heavy in 1836; after the 1834 Plain 4, it is the second most available among Classic Head issues, with an original mintage of over half a million pieces.
While Classic Head gold retains a high degree of difficulty overall, the 1836 remains accessible, or in higher grades, available for a price. As Garrett and Guth write in their Encyclopedia of U.S. Gold Coins, " ... collectors should have no problem acquiring examples for their collections, even in Mint State." Gems, however, prove far more elusive; at the time of writing (2006), Garrett and Guth knew of only one MS65 piece, which was certified by PCGS. Since then, the combined certified population has expanded, with NGC and PCGS claiming two examples each, though how many of these are resubmissions is unknown.
Whether it is the long-coveted PCGS MS65 coin noted by Garrett and Guth or a Johnny-come-lately to the upper echelons of the Population Report, this amazing Gem offers incredible vibrancy and undeniable eye appeal. The strike is crisp overall, certainly above-average, even if a hint of softness appears on Liberty's curls near the forehead. Rich butter-yellow surfaces with hints of pink and orange showcase swirling luster. Though a handful of tiny marks appear in the reverse fields, these are appropriate for the grade and minor in context. An impressive piece that would serve well as either a Classic gold collection highlight or a top-notch type coin.(Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25RY, PCGS# 8174, GSID# 8864)

Metal: 89.92% Gold, 10.08% Copper
Weight: 8.36 grams
AGW: 0.24169oz
Mintage: 553,147

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 PCGS