1795 $5 Large Eagle, BD-15, High R.5, AU53 NGC....

Description

1795 Heraldic Eagle Five, AU53
BD-15, Only 30 to 35 Coins Known

1795 $5 Large Eagle, BD-15, High R.5, AU53 NGC. Ex: Long Island Collection. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/c. The United States Mint's first design transition for half eagles occurred just two years into five dollar gold production at the facility, when the Small Eagle reverse was replaced with the Large or Heraldic Eagle design in the middle of 1797. Some of the first Large Eagle fives struck were actually dated 1795 (the dies were on hand, and the date was irrelevant). It is believed they were mostly struck during that transitional year, although according to John Dannreuther, "some of them may have been struck as late as 1798."

Three die varieties exist for the 1795 Large Eagle five, and all of them are rare. BD-13 is unique, BD-14 has about 14 to 18 survivors, and BD-15, as here, is believed to survive to the extent of 30 to 35 pieces from an estimated mintage of 500 to 1,000 coins. One of the telltale diagnostics is the end of the branch stem pointing to the right foot of the final A in AMERICA. The present example is in a late die state with multiple cracks through the lower reverse and another through the top of NITE.

Both sides of this AU53 representative present deep orange-gold color with faint reddish accents seen around the peripheral areas. Most of the design is sharp, if lightly worn, with obvious strike softness on the curls left of Liberty's ear and on the eagle's neck. The coin is largely free of major marks or abrasions, though myriad small ticks and scattered hairlines occur throughout. From its absolute and conditional rarity to its eye appeal and preservation, there is so much to like about this 1795 Heraldic half eagle. Bid accordingly. Census (all 1795 Large Eagle five varieties): 1 in 53, 15 finer (1/22).
From The Long Island Collection, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 519869, Base PCGS# 8075, Greysheet# 198181)

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 all of [The Long Island Collection, Part II ]

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