1805 $5 BD-2, R.4, MS63 PCGS....

Description

1805 Half Eagle, BD-2, MS63
Late Die State, Luminous Luster

1805 $5 BD-2, R.4, MS63 PCGS. Bass-Dannreuther Die State f/c-g/d. This glittering Select Mint State 1805 BD-2 half eagle appears to be in an intermediate die state between the two latest stages listed in John Dannreuther's Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties. The obverse is clashed along the upper border through LIBERTY, and the reverse shows similar clashing through AMERICA and the tailfeathers, but the heavy central clash marks seen on the latest stage of this die marriage are not present. Moreover, the crack from the rim to the hair curls left of the 1 is visible, but the arcing crack from star 13 does not yet progress beyond the hair curls. The reverse is uncracked. A third heavy clashing must have taken place shortly after this coin was struck, inflicting the damage to each die that is seen in die state g/d.

This late-die-state BD-2 1805 half eagle was likely struck in 1806. The reverse die was also employed for the BD-1 1806 half eagle but is seen in an earlier die state for part of that coinage than it is on this 1805 variety. The logical conclusion is that late-die-state BD-2 coins as well as all BD-3, -4, and -5 1805 half eagles were struck after the earliest 1806 coins. Such reuse of outdated but still serviceable dies was commonplace at the early Mint. The coin displays a bold and even strike with frosty and original yellow-gold luster. Abrasions are surprisingly few and far between, and the luster captivates the eye. Remnants of scattered adjustment marks on the obverse are not unusual for the type, and a thin linear mark next to the F in OF is the only mentionable abrasion. Population (all varieties included): 38 in 63 (1 in 63+), 19 finer (9/16).

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25P4, Variety PCGS# 45616, Base PCGS# 8088, GSID# 198225)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 8.75 grams
AGW: 0.25789oz
Mintage: 33,183

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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