1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3, MS62 NGC....

Description

1795 Capped Bust Right Five, MS62
Small Eagle Reverse, BD-3
Important First-Year Gold Issue

1795 $5 Small Eagle, BD-3, High R.3, MS62 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/b. The interesting BD-3 Small Eagle fives show stars 11, 12, and Y in LIBERTY all solidly joined -- a strange-looking star arrangement, also used for BD-2 and BD-4 among the 12 Small Eagle varieties. While the Mint probably was not enamored with the oddly placed right-side stars, the die held together and yielded the most half eagles for first-year half eagle production. Between 175 and 225 known survivors exist today. Well over half the total Small Eagle fives known are from the BD-3 dies. Despite the relative availability, the date and variety remain in high demand among early gold specialists.

The 1795 Small Eagle fives were Robert Scot's first gold coins. While Scot's Small Eagle reverse design perhaps falls short of those who prefer a more powerful-looking eagle, it was a bold step forward in 1795, as was the Draped Bust obverse motif. Today, Small Eagle gold regardless of the date remains scarce and popular. The Small Eagle five dollar series is a popular one, yet only Harry Bass completed a complete set of Small Eagle coins including all dates and varieties, 1795 to 1798.

This first-year BD-3 five dollar gold is lustrous and frosty. Smooth, hard fields are virtually unabraded save for three or for faint, hair-thin adjustment marks that venture into Liberty's cap from above star 10. Nor are there any individually significant nicks or hairlines to report. A small, finely granular area above the eagle's left (facing) wing does not distract. Honey-gold color surrounds the frosted, blond-gold central elements for topnotch eye appeal. Mint State 1795 examples are few and highly prized, so we expect this attractive and well-produced BD-3 to stimulate bold bidder activity. NGC Census: 23 in 62, 19 finer (11/23).

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 NGC