1798 $5 Large Eagle, Large 8, 14 Star Reverse--Scratched--NCS. AU Details....

Description

Popular 1798 Large Eagle, Large 8, 14 Star Reverse Half Eagle,
BD-3, AU Details

1798 $5 Large Eagle, Large 8, 14 Star Reverse--Scratched--NCS. AU Details. Breen-6427, BD-3, R.5. This is the only variety to feature the unusual 14 star reverse. Although the Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties reference indicates that all BD-3 examples were struck from a perfect obverse die (state a), this specimen shows a delicate die crack that connects the tops of the TY in LIBERTY. This piece exhibits the terminal reverse die state (state d), and has numerous bisecting cracks. It is presumed that this die shattered fairly early, which explains the relative rarity of this variety.
Charming orange-gold patina drapes both sides of this peculiar early half eagle. The eagle's left (facing) claw and wing are soft, and the center of the obverse is a trifle weak, as typically seen. The rest of the details, however, are crisply defined. While there are myriad shallow scratches on both sides, they are mostly in the fields and hardly affect the central design elements.
John Dannreuther (2006) states that there are only three dozen BD-3 survivors from a total mintage of an estimated 2,500 to 3,500 pieces. The Bass collection had four examples, which seems to indicate that he liked this unusual issue. According to Garrett and Guth (2006) this popular variety averages one appearance at auction each year, and there are only about a dozen About Uncirculated representatives, with one known Mint State specimen. This interesting and seldom-offered variety would make a wonderful addition to any collection. (Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFX8, PCGS# 8080, GSID# 8798)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 8.75 grams
AGW: 0.28oz
Mintage: 24,867

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