1834 $5 Plain 4 MS64+ Prooflike PCGS. CAC. HM-3, R.2....

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1834 Plain 4 Classic Head Five
HM-3, CAC'd MS64+ Prooflike
Contrasted Early Die State Example

1834 $5 Plain 4 MS64+ Prooflike PCGS. CAC. HM-3, R.2. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. The Classic Head half eagles of 1834 divide into two subvarieties, denoted as the Plain 4 and Crosslet 4 issues in the Guide Book. Eight die pairings of the Plain 4 issue are known, while a single Crosslet 4 die pair was used. Among the eight Plain 4 marriages, HM-3 is relatively plentiful and is among the most often seen varieties in Choice Mint State condition (though not as plentiful as HM-5). However, the Bass specimen stands apart from most of its peers with its deeply reflective, prooflike fields. It is the finer of just two Prooflike coins at PCGS (the other graded MS64 Prooflike without a Plus designation), while a trio of reported MS66 Prooflike pieces at NGC rank finer; in total, only 10 Prooflike coins have been graded (8/22).

The deep reflectivity of the fields on this piece, combined with the absence of the typical die crack on Liberty's cheek, suggests an early die state. The reverse also depicts thin remnants of guide lines above and below the eagle's left (facing) wing, which were used to guide placement of the border legends. More guide lines are seen on an earlier state of these dies, although the presence of any here is significant, dating this coin to a striking period shortly after the coinage of proofs. HM-3 is one of two die marriages that were used for proof coinage, corresponding to the JD-1 proof die pair. It is probable that prooflike HM-3 coins have been offered as proofs in contemporary auction catalogs, although that does not seem to be the case for the Bass coin, which was described as a prooflike Uncirculated example in the May 1970 Stack's sale of the DiBello Collection, where Bass acquired it.

The coin displays glimmering fields with full mirrorlike qualities, complementing sharply struck central devices and border stars. Daubs of amber-red toning around the obverse border serve as pedigree markers, while the remainder of the coin is rich straw-gold in color. A loupe reveals a few light, scattered marks, as appropriate for the grade, along with some faint horizontal hairlines in the upper reverse and left obverse fields. The majority of the fine lines in the fields are vertical, however, and these are die polishing striations, imparted from the dies. Overall eye appeal of this piece is stunning, and a pronounced cameo effect is observed on each side. While a handful of higher-grade Plain 4 coins are known, there is something uniquely attractive and technically special about the Bass coin that sets it apart in many respects from counterparts in the same numeric grade.
Ex: Gaston DiBello Collection (Stack's, 5/1970), lot 836.
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part I.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 813158, Base PCGS# 8171, GSID# 200014)

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

View Certification Details from PCGS