1795 $5 Small Eagle, S Over D, BD-6, R.5, MS61 PCGS....

Description

1795 BD-6 Small Eagle Five Dollar, MS61
One of the Popular S Over D Reverses

1795 $5 Small Eagle, S Over D, BD-6, R.5, MS61 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/c. There are two major varieties of the 1795 Capped Bust Right five dollar: Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle. The latter is a backdated issue, while the former was actually delivered in 1795 as the premier gold coin in U.S. history. The 1795 Small Eagle is actually one of the more plentiful Bust Right fives in today's market, a fact that indicates widespread preservation at the time of delivery; however, this is not to suggest that the issue is easy to obtain. On the contrary, first-year type collectors will have to face considerable bidder competition for the honor of owning a high-grade representative.

Among the 12 Small Eagle marriages for 1795 half eagles, BD-6 is the less rare of two varieties with the second S in STATES clearly cut over a D. Almost all survivors show some degree of die cracking, as well as spikes and spurs, indicating careless die preparation. John Dannreuther in a passage that may not be too much of a stretch speculated, " ... [the die blunders were] possibly the result of either alcohol or a late night party, as the die sinker made numerous slips while preparing this reverse." On firmer factual footing John stated, "The damaged dies, not the errors [S over D] account for the retirement, as with all early Mint issues." He estimates only 60 to 80 examples are known today. This is a well-defined piece that shows strong remaining details on Liberty's hair as well as the eagle's feathers. The fields are semiprooflike and this brightness adds even more to the overall attractiveness. A few unimportant marks and mint-made planchet flaws do not challenge the eye appeal.
Ex: Palm Beach Signature (Heritage, 11/2004), lot 8338.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ND, Variety PCGS# 519855, Base PCGS# 8066, Greysheet# 198174)

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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