1834 $5 Plain 4 MS63 NGC....

Description

Impressive 1834 Plain 4 Classic Half Eagle, MS63
Second Head Type

1834 $5 Plain 4 MS63 NGC. Second Head, Breen-6502, McCloskey 2-C, R.4. The Classic Head half eagles were a radical departure--in both design and gold content--from the Capped Head fives that preceded them. But Mint authorities apparently feared that the new type would fail if confused with the old-tenor, oft-melted type, perhaps because the 1834-dated half eagles included both kinds. While the obverse designs could hardly be confused, the reverses were less so, and for easier discernment the Mint obligingly removed the scroll bearing E PLURIBUS UNUM from above the eagle's head. Both 1834 types also saw Plain 4 and Crosslet 4 varieties, of which the Crosslet 4s are vastly rarer. While most of the certified Crosslet 4 Capped Bust fives are Mint State, most of the Classic Head Crosslet 4s are circulated.
On this Select Mint State Plain 4 piece, the fields are reflective and the strike is bold, a rarely seen attribute for this series, with just a trace of cartwheel luster around the devices. A flashy and pleasing yellow-gold example of this popular early-19th century variety. Census: 40 in 63, 62 finer (12/08).(Registry values: P1)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# E2KE, PCGS# 8171, GSID# 8856)

Metal: 89.92% Gold, 10.08% Copper
Weight: 8.36 grams
AGW: 0.24169oz
Mintage: 657,460

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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