1798 $5 Large Eagle, Large 8, 13 Stars Reverse, BD-4, High R.4, MS63 PCGS Secure....

Description

1798 Large Eagle Five, MS63
Large 8, 13 Star Reverse, BD-4
Tied for Finest at PCGS

1798 $5 Large Eagle, Large 8, 13 Stars Reverse, BD-4, High R.4, MS63 PCGS Secure. Bass-Dannreuther Die State d/e. Although the BD-4 variety is marginally more available than any other 1798 half eagle die marriage, it is scarce in its own right and rare in Select Uncirculated condition, such as this lustrous and well-preserved example. The Bass-Dannreuther reference suggests just 80 to 100 BD-4 half eagles survive in all grades. This example shows several faint die cracks on the obverse, while the reverse is in its near-terminal state with bulging cuds at ES in STATES and at the outside edge of the O in OF.

A total of eight die pairs were used to strike half eagles dated 1798. One die pair represents the final appearance of the Small Eagle reverse (BD-1), but it is exceedingly rare with between six and eight pieces known, depending on the reference. The 2018 Guide Book says six, Bass-Dannreuther suggest seven or eight Small Eagle fives exist. The other seven varieties for 1798 represent a total mintage of 24,867 pieces, all with the Large Eagle reverse.

The present coin is notably sharper at the centers than many 1798 B-4 half eagles, including the MS64 NGC example that we sold in August, 2011 (a near-Gem coin that realized a record $155,250). The peripheries of the current piece are well-struck, too, despite the advanced state of the dies. Each of the 13 field stars is fully outlined -- sharper than usually seen -- although those on the right side of the eagle's head are slightly rounded. A few faint adjustment marks remain hidden in Liberty's hair strands behind the ear, and some short, wispy lines perhaps account for the assigned grade. There are no distracting marks. The date is narrowly strike-doubled. Delightful greenish-gold color glows from each side, highlighted by lemon-yellow hues around the raised devices. Housed in a PCGS Secure holder. Population (all Large 8 varieties combined): 4 in 63, 0 finer (10/17).
Selections from The McCoy Family Collection of U.S. Early Gold.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 507324, Base PCGS# 8078, Greysheet# 226372)

Weight: 8.75 grams

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper

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 all of [Selections from The McCoy Family Collection of U.S. Early Gold ]

View Certification Details from PCGS