1834 $5 PLAIN 4

Description

Beautiful 1834 Plain 4 Half Eagle in MS 64

1834 Plain 4 MS 64 NGC. Second Head, Small Plain 4, Breen-6502. After decades of American gold coins not circulating because their melted value exceeded their face value, in 1834 Congress finally decided to reduce the weight of U.S. gold coins. The mint anticipated a veritable flood of old tenor gold coins to be turned in for the newer, lighter ones and dies were prepared with the androgynous, and now familiar, Classic head motif. More than 650,000 half eagles were struck and distributed in 1834 with the new design and most circulated heavily. However, a few were saved as mementoes and when one does encounter a high grade Classic quarter eagle or half eagle, it is usually dated 1834. This piece is the second finest we have ever offered, being exceeded only by a superb PCGS MS 66 First Head specimen last year. The surfaces are a vibrant golden-orange and very well detailed in the centers, with only the normal contact marks in the fields precluding a gem rating. A prettier, more original Classic Head five could hardly be imagined. Population: 8 in 64, none higher (6/95).

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS