1797 $5 Small Eagle, 16 Stars, BD-3, R.6 AU55 NGC....

Description

1797 Capped Bust Right Five, AU55
Rare 16 Stars, BD-3 Variety

1797 $5 Small Eagle, 16 Stars, BD-3, R.6 AU55 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State intermediate a/b-c. Diagnostic die cracks include a lengthy, conjoined crack from the leaves, across the eagle's leg, to the right (facing) wing. No additional cracks are seen, making this die stage intermediate between reverse state b and c. There are no readily available 1797 Small Eagle varieties, although this BD-3 example is one of 20 to 25 known survivors. It is a worthy representative of the only collectible 16 Stars half eagle variety. The other three 1797 Small Eagle varieties are rarer. BD-1 survives with only 10 to 15 known, BD-2 has eight to 12 known, and BD-4 is unique. BD-1 and -2 have unique obverse dies, while BD-3 and -4 share the famous 16 Stars obverse. In Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties, John Dannreuther writes of the BD-4 obverse:

"Harry Bass thought this might be a different obverse than used for the previous variety (BD-3), but it is identical. Their die states appear identical, but Bass must have noted something in his example that prompted the thought that they were from different dies."

Despite being the "common" 16 Stars variety, BD-3 is a major rarity in all grades. Moreover, two of the known examples are impounded in the Smithsonian Institution: the Mint Cabinet coin and the Lilly coin. The current Choice AU example is exceptional in every respect. Pleasing sharpness remains throughout the partially reflective surfaces. Magnification reveals faint hairlines and some tiny pits, especially in the lower-right obverse field beneath Liberty's chin and adjacent to stars 14 and 15, but substantial eye appeal persists throughout each side, elevating the coin's in-hand presentation. Given the rarity of all 1797 Small Eagle fives and the 16-Stars variant in particular, this is an eminently important coin to complete an advanced type or early half eagle set.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFWY, Variety PCGS# 519865, Base PCGS# 8068, Greysheet# 198176)

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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