1811 $5 Tall 5, BD-1, High R.3, MS65 PCGS....

Description

1811 BD-1 Half Eagle, MS65
Tall 5, Tied for Second Finest at PCGS

1811 $5 Tall 5, BD-1, High R.3, MS65 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/e. Draped Bust Left half eagle production held steady in 1811, the fifth year of issue for the John Reich design. The date claims a total mintage of 99,581 coins, and two die marriages are known. BD-1 features a Tall 5 on the reverse, as here, while BD-2 has a Small 5. Each type is listed individually in the annual Guide Book.

John Dannreuther lays out the scarcity of each type in Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties (2006). He estimates that about 175 to 250 Tall 5 coins survive compared to 225 to 300 Small 5 representatives. Curiously, the certified population data actually shows an even greater discrepancy between the availability of Tall and Small 5 half eagles.

This is a frosty and highly lustrous Gem example with brilliant light yellow-gold surfaces. Both sides have a few scattered abrasions that are consistent with the grade. They are also sharply struck, although not fully defined. A number of prominent clash marks are evident, especially on the obverse. The scroll and its lettering are visible beneath the bust, continuing into the left obverse field. The eagle's feather details can be seen in the left and right obverse field, the denomination is visible above Liberty's cap, the leaves at the front of the cap, and the arrows behind the cap. Clash marks are also visible on the reverse, but they are not nearly as prominent. The orientation of these clash marks provides a fascinating study. When this example was coined, the reverse die was rotated about 45 degrees counterclockwise. The clashing accident also occurred with the reverse die similarly rotated. A numismatic challenge would be the discovery other examples, with the dies returned to normal alignment, yet with the clash marks from this rotation.
Ex: Denver Signature (Heritage, 8/2006), lot 5489; Rosemont Signature (Heritage, 8/2013), lot 5845; Long Beach Signature (Heritage, 2/2022), lot 3205.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFXS, Variety PCGS# 507600, Base PCGS# 8110, Greysheet# 315462)

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS