1804 $5 Small Over Large 8, BD-7, R.4, MS63 PCGS....

Description

1804 Half Eagle, MS63
Normal 8 Over Large 8, BD-7

1804 $5 Small Over Large 8, BD-7, R.4, MS63 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/c. In this late die state the obverse working die has been lapped and clash marks are visible above the date, while the reverse shows several fine die cracks as described by Harry Bass in his notebook, and the cracks correspond with further analysis of this die state by John Dannreuther. The interesting obverse die was paired with three different reverse dies, and the BD-7 die marriage utilizes the last of the three reverse dies which can be attributed by the "upper beak tip touching star point, upright of E over cloud space."

This is a very intriguing major variety, and John Dannreuther suggests describing the variety as "Normal/Large 8" to replace the traditional descriptor of Small over Large 8, as engraver Robert Scot first punched a large 8 intended for use on the ten dollar denomination, he then made the correction by punching an 8 numeral as designed for the five dollar denomination. While Scot's corrected punch would have been mostly unnoticed in commerce, the bold repunch can be seen without a loupe and does make for a fascinating conversation piece to modern numismatists. Of additional interest is the repunched 1 in the date, which Dannreuther describes as a perfect 1 over a broken serif 1, often referred to as a Blunt 1 punch.

Attractive honey-gold toning blankets the exceptional surfaces of this wonderful example. Frosty luster swirls in cartwheels throughout the fields and devices, creating lively visual appeal. Only close scrutiny under magnification reveals a few small contact marks in the left and right obverse fields, along with some tiny marks in the reverse shield lines. The strike is solid, with most design features well defined, the exceptions being some slight softness in the drapery lines, opposite clouds, and arrow shafts which are typical for this variety. The hair detail and obverse stars are nicely formed, along with the eagle's head and wing feathers. Overall, an outstanding specimen of this important major variety that will find a place in a fine collection of early gold.
From The Mark George Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 519897, Base PCGS# 8086, Greysheet# 198209)

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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