1804 $5 Small 8, BD-1, High R.4, MS63 PCGS....

Description

1804 BD-1 Small 8 Half Eagle
Unusually High-Grade MS63 Example
Only 7 Finer of the Type at PCGS

1804 $5 Small 8, BD-1, High R.4, MS63 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State late b/b. Gorgeous yellow-gold surfaces exude rich, even tones. Weakness on both sides is minimal, and the dentils on both sides are near-fully impressed. A couple of vertical marks on the portrait are present but inconsequential, and are mentioned only for pedigree purposes.

The year 1804 is notorious in numismatic circles for its string of rarities, from the difficult 1804 dime, quarter, and quarter eagle, the planned but not produced 1804 half dollar, the key 1804 cent, and, of course, the "King of American Coins," the 1804 dollar. Among all denominations, the 1804 half eagle is one of the more available issues in the context of its series. Seven die marriages exist, with three in the R.4 range, including the present BD-1. The mintage of 30,475 is only about 10% lower than the surrounding years, and is significantly above all dates of the 1790s.

However, what are not common, in relative or absolute terms, are high-grade examples. Across the Small 8 type (BD-1 through BD-4), PCGS lists just 19 certifications in MS63, two in 63+, three in 64, and two in 64+ (1/26). NGC notes five in 63, four in 64, and one in 64+. For this die marriage, our archives reveal just the MS64 PCGS Bass example and an MS63+ PCGS sold in 2015. Resubmissions almost certainly inflate these figures. Given the fabled status of the year, the quality of the coin, and its rarity in high states of preservation, this half eagle would represent an incredible addition to a specialist's collection.
From The Charles Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 519891, Base PCGS# 8085, Greysheet# 198203)

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.

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