1818 $5 BD-1, R.5, AU55 PCGS....

Description

1818 BD-1 Half Eagle, AU55
Normal Reverse

1818 $5 BD-1, R.5, AU55 PCGS. HBJ-250. Bright luster around the devices illuminates orange-gold surfaces. The high points of the stars, portrait, and eagle show a brush of rub, but detail remains razor-sharp. Abrasions are scant, though each side exhibits minor hairlines.
Variety Equivalents: Adams-2, Breen 1-A, Miller-123, Bass-3129.
Obverse Die: The obverse die is unique to this marriage.
Reverse Die: The reverse die is unique to this marriage.
Bass-Dannreuther Die State c: The obverse is clashed. The reverse shows prominent die cracks through the base of MERICA to the D and from the rim through the olive leaves and talon.
PCGS Population Data (10/25): PCGS has certified five of these in AU55 and 41 finer submissions.
Breen (1966): The three varieties of 1818 half eagles that Breen described in 1966 are the same three varieties that we know today, and in the same order. Breen 1-A is BD-1, Breen 2-B is BD-2, and Breen 3-C is BD-3.
Bass-Dannreuther (2006): "Interestingly, this date is represented by three varieties that employ three different obverse and reverse combinations. This situation is unique among early half eagles, and really, all the early gold coins."
Heritage Commentary: Unlike most early half eagle issues, the 1818 half eagles have three distinctive varieties that have rarely been confused, perhaps due to the situation that Dannreuther describes where three obverse dies and three reverse were employed for three combinations. Edgar Adams, John Clapp, and Waldo Newcomer each knew of the three varieties in the early to mid-20th century.
Doug Winter Commentary: In my experience, the unheralded BD-1 Normal reverse is the most challenging of the three varieties of 1818 half eagles.
Provenance: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2020), lot 5272.
From The Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection of Early Half Eagles.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 519911, Base PCGS# 8119, Greysheet# 351782)

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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