1802/1 $5 MS64 NGC....

Description

Gorgeous 1802/1 BD-8 Half Eagle, MS64

1802/1 $5 MS64 NGC. Breen-6440, BD-8, R.4. The 1802/1 is frequently encountered in grades up to and including MS63. At the MS64 level it is a significant condition rarity with only a couple of dozen pieces (at most) known, and it is virtually unobtainable as a Gem. The Harry Bass Collection, for instance, had eight different examples of this variety with just one coin similarly graded as MS64. This is an especially pleasing coin that shows crisp striking definition in virtually all areas, most notably on the hair curls of Liberty and the eagle's breast feathers. The bright, lustrous surfaces are accented by rich reddish patina around the margins with the usual green-gold coloration elsewhere.
Eight die varieties are known for the 1802/1 half eagles, from two distinctly different obverse dies, both overdated with a 2 punched over a previous 1. Obverse 1 can be identified by the low overdate with the top of the 2 distant from the bust and the previous 1 below the center of the 2. Obverse 2 (and represented here) is identified by a high digit 2 with its top touching the bust, and the previous 1 left of center below the 2. This variety is identifiable by the long spine on the reverse that runs from a leaf into the R in AMERICA. Struck from an intermediate die state with light clash marks on the obverse and a faint die crack from the left top of U through the center of N to the bases of I and T. Census: 15 in 64, 1 finer (10/09).(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25NX, PCGS# 8083, GSID# 8872)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 8.75 grams
AGW: 0.25789oz
Melt Value: $301.73
Gold Spot: $1,170/oz (12-04-2009)
Mintage: 53,176

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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