1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3, AU58 PCGS....

Description

1795 BD-3 Half Eagle, AU58
Popular Small Eagle Variety

1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3, AU58 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/a, or possibly later. A delicate die crack connects the edge to star 12 on the obverse, while short spikes from the border reach the tops of TE in UNITED. These are sometimes described as cracks, but more are actually engraver's spikes that are likely present on all surviving examples of this variety. The obverse die was used for the varieties known today as BD-2, BD-3, and BD-4, while the reverse die makes no other appearances among the Small Eagle die marriages. This sharply detailed example has virtually full honey-gold luster with lovely green overtones. Only a trace of rub on the high points separates this example from a full Mint State grade assessment. As the most plentiful variety of all 1795 half eagles, this example is ideally suited to represent the Small Eagle design in a gold type set or date collection. A crescent-shaped planchet flaw on Liberty's cheek will identify this example for those who enjoy plate matching to previous auction appearances. Trivial marks on the reverse will also aid in determining the provenance of this piece.

Although BD-1 and BD-2 of 1795 are earlier strikes of the first U.S. half eagles, the BD-3 falls early enough in the emission sequence to be certain that it was indeed struck in 1795. Several later varieties, such as BD-9, BD-10, BD-11, and BD-12, were likely minted in 1796. John Dannreuther estimates that 175 to 225 examples of BD-3 survive, and that is more than one-third of his estimates for all 12 varieties combined.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25ND, Variety PCGS# 519852, Base PCGS# 8066, Greysheet# 198165)

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.

View Certification Details from PCGS