1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3, AU58 NGC....

Description

1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle, AU58
Popular Small Eagle, BD-3 Variety
First Year of Denomination

1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3, AU58 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/b, with a die crack from the rim to star 12 and another crack, or die flaw, from the rim to E in UNITED on the reverse. The Philadelphia Mint struck gold coins for the first time in 1795 and Mint records indicate a small production of 8,707 Capped Bust Right half eagles was accomplished, using the early Small Eagle reverse. It is virtually certain that some more 1795-dated half eagles were struck in later years, using leftover obverse dies from 1795, coupled with the later Heraldic Eagle reverse dies that were first used in 1797. Twelve die varieties are known for the Small Eagle design type, with three more that feature the Heraldic Eagle motif. This coin represents the popular BD-3 variety, with star 11 joining the Y in LIBERTY, four berries in the reverse wreath, and the upper leaf ending at the foot of I in UNITED on the reverse. The obverse die was used previously to strike the BD-2 variety of this date, and used again to produce the BD-4 variety. This was the only use of the reverse die. The BD-3 is a relatively available variety and a popular choice with first-year type collectors. John Dannreuther estimates the surviving population of the BD-3 at 175 to 225 examples in all grades.

The present coin is an impressive near-Mint example that exhibits just a touch of friction on the high points of the strongly impressed design elements. Most interior detail remains intact, with sharp definition on Liberty's curls and the feathers in the eagle's wings. The pleasing antique-gold surfaces are lightly abraded, with a mix of satiny luster and prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Overall eye appeal is outstanding. This coin should find a home in a fine collection or type set. Census: 53 in 58 (1 in 58★ ), 65 finer (10/25).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ND, Variety PCGS# 519852, Base PCGS# 8066, Greysheet# 198165)

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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