LOT #1041 |
Current Bid: $26,000
1809/8 $5 BD-1, High R.3, MS63 PCGS. CAC....
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Description
1809/8 BD-1 Half Eagle, MS63 CAC
Sharp, Reflective, and Well-Preserved
1809/8 $5 BD-1, High R.3, MS63 PCGS. CAC. HBJ-241.
Ex: Stack. This Select Mint State specimen displays deep
reddish-gold coloration over surfaces that show superb mint frost
and a faint glimmer of reflectivity in the fields. The piece is
sharply defined throughout, with just a few tiny contact marks but
remarkable preservation overall.Variety Equivalents: Adams-1, Breen 1-A, Miller-108, Bass-3116.
Obverse Die: This is the only use of the obverse die.
Reverse Die: The reverse continued in use after the production of 1808 BD-4.
Bass-Dannreuther Die State a/b: No clash marks or die cracks are noted on the obverse that exhibits scattered die lumps (so-called die rust) on the bust. The reverse exhibits light clash marks.
PCGS Population Data (10/25): PCGS has certified 23 1809/8 half eagles in MS63, three graded MS63+, and 30 finer submissions.
CAC Census (10/25): Eight submissions of 1809/8 half eagles graded MS63 are approved at CAC with eight finer examples stickered or graded.
Significant Examples: A record of the 10 finest examples, graded MS64 through MS66, was published in our Bass Core Collection sale in May 2023.
Breen (1966): Breen correctly observed: "Only one die variety, despite contrary claims." He wrote further that the 1809/8 is not seen as often as the 1807 bust left variety but that it is: "available in any grade desired."
Bass-Dannreuther (2006): Some researchers doubt the overdate status of this variety. John Dannreuther observes: "Whether an overdate or not, this is a popular date and variety. It is one of those coins scarce enough to draw attention from collectors, but not so rare as to be unobtainable."
Heritage Commentary: Today we know that a single varieties of 1809 half eagles is known, and that it is either an overdate or a recut date. However, early editions of the Guide Book had separate entries for the overdate and the normal date varieties. Dannreuther estimates a population in the range of 250 to 325 coins. While there are individual varieties with greater rarity, the 1809 estimate is the lowest of the six coinage dates of the type.
Doug Winter Commentary: This example literally screams 'perfect for type purpose.' And why not...it has really nice color over clean, frosty surfaces that have only a few faint, shallow ticks and scrapes. A PCGS/CAC MS64 would require an additional five-figure outlay and I'm not certain that many collectors would be able to tell difference between this high-end 63 and a typical quality coin in MS64.
Provenance: FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4858. Note: The PCGS holder identifies this as "Stack" suggesting that it is from the famous collection of James A. Stack, Sr. However, we are unable to plate match this example with any past sales of that collection.
From The Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection of Early Half Eagles.
Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFXK, Variety PCGS# 507603, Base PCGS# 8104, Greysheet# 351780)
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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Auction Info
2026 January 8 US Coins Signature Auction - FUN Special Sessions: Ellsworth & Jacobson #1389 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
January
8th
Thursday
3:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
January
8th
Thursday
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12h 33m 31s
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This lot is in: 1 -
Signature® Floor Session - Platinum Session - The Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection of Early Half Eagles (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 1001-1068) - 4:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, January 8, 2026 (5:00 PM Eastern Time).
[Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live now starts within 2 hours of when the auction opens for proxy bidding and continues through the live session.]
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Additional Location Info:
Orange County Convention Center
North/South Building
9400 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819
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