Auction Name: 2026 January 8 US Coins Signature Auction - FUN Special Sessions: Ellsworth & Jacobson

Lot Number: 1034

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/1389*1034

1806 $5 Pointed 6, 8x5 Stars, BD-3, R.7, AU53 PCGS. HBJ-234. Hints of green appear on the straw-gold surfaces of this example that shows light wear on the design highpoints. A small copper toning spot is noted at star 2 on the reverse.
Variety Equivalents: Adams-2, Breen unlisted (2-C), Miller-80, Bass-3098.
Obverse Die: This is the only use of the obverse die.
Reverse Die: This is the only use of the reverse die.
Bass-Dannreuther Die State c-d/a: The obverse die state is intermediate between Dannreuther's state c and d. The crack from the border down through the cap continues into the hair but is not evident at the 0 in the date. The state d cracks in the left obverse field are not evident on this example.
PCGS Population Data (10/25): The five Pointed 6 varieties include eight that PCGS grades AU53 and 73 finer examples. Most of those submissions are likely examples of the BD-1 die marriage.
Significant Examples: This second example of the 1806 BD-3 Pointed 6 half eagle is recorded as seventh finest of 12 examples in our roster.
Breen (1966): Breen certainly saw a large number of early gold coins, although much of his research relied on the observations of earlier students as well as examination of older catalog plates.
Bass-Dannreuther (2006): Dannreuther observed three auction appearances between 1990 and 2005 and estimates that six to 10 examples are known.
Heritage Commentary: Until contradictory information becomes available, we are confident that there are six varieties of 1806 half eagles. Perhaps 80% of all auction appearances are for the BD-6 die marriage with the Round Top 6 in the date and the distinctive 7x6 stars obverse layout. Next most plentiful is the 1806 BD-1 variety, followed by BD-2, BD-4, BD-5, and this BD-3, the rarest of the six varieties.
Doug Winter Commentary: If you fanned on the MS61 above, why not give this more affordable piece a run?
Provenance: Bowers and Merena (12/2003), lot 2548.
From The Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection of Early Half Eagles.

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