1795 $5 Small Eagle, S Over D, BD-6, R.5 MS62 PCGS....

Description

1795 Small Eagle Five Dollar, MS62
S Over D, BD-6 Variety
Condition Census Quality

1795 $5 Small Eagle, S Over D, BD-6, R.5 MS62 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/b. The tip of the 5 overlaps Liberty's drapery, distinguishing this BD-6 die marriage from BD-5, which shares the distinctive reverse. The second S in STATES is punched over an errant D, which remains perfectly clear. So, too, are the spike-like die gouges from the dentils. Writes John Dannreuther in Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties (2006):

"This curious reverse die, as noted under the BD-5 variety, possibly was the result of either alcohol or a late night party, as the die sinker made numerous slips while preparing this reverse. The spikes from the dentils are also seen on this obverse die, as well as the previous obverse die, although they are not as plentiful as seen on the reverse."

According to Dannreuther, about 60 to 80 examples of the BD-6 die marriage are known from an estimated mintage of 1,000 to 1,500 pieces. That makes it considerably more collectible than its BD-5 S Over D counterpart, though this variety remains scarce in absolute terms. It is also a condition rarity. At PCGS, only three coins designated as S Over D are graded higher, including two in MS63 and one in MS63+.

This particular MS62 coin showcases lovely yellow and orange-gold surface color along with strong definition throughout, typical of high-grade 1795 half eagles. Superficial ticks and hairlines fail to diminish field reflectivity and overall eye appeal. Certainly one of the finest S Over D half eagles extant and worthy of a premium bid as such. Population: 1 in 62, 1 finer (10/22).
Ex: Purchased from Julian Leidman (8/28/1973).
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ND, Variety PCGS# 519855, Base PCGS# 8066, Greysheet# 198174)

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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