1795 $5 Small Eagle AU50 PCGS. Breen-6417, BD-12, High R.6. ...

Description

Almost Uncirculated 1795 Small Eagle Five Dollar
Scarce BD-12 Variety

1795 $5 Small Eagle AU50 PCGS. Breen-6417, BD-12, High R.6. Obverse State a, Reverse State b, with no cracks, lapping, or die clashing on the obverse, evidence of light die lapping on the reverse. This curious and final die variety for the year is underrepresented among collections of early fives. An unknown number were struck. John Dannreuther estimates between 400 and 800 pieces, but the real story is the number of survivors, again using J.D.'s estimate, only 12-15 individual pieces have survived. This is the so-called "Apostrophe" obverse die, that shows the remnants of a mispunched letter between B and E. Some have claimed it is an I and others (notably Breen) have said it is an E. The obverse die apparently cracked and was discarded, even though none of the known examples show any trace of such cracking. The 1796 obverse is overdated from a distinctly different and unused 1795-dated die, one not found on any coins actually struck with that date.
The surfaces are bright yellow-gold, and the devices are generally well struck with a bit of softness in the centers. The reverse has several minor adjustment marks in the center. The left obverse field has a diagonal scrape, and the reverse shows several shallow planchet flaws that are mostly unseen to the unaided eye. The reverse appears to have been lapped, as mentioned in the BD reference, with several leaves on the left (facing) side showing hollow centers.(Registry values: P5)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ND, PCGS# 8066, Greysheet# 8791)

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.

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