1805 $5 MS64 PCGS. Close Date, Breen-6445, BD-2, R.4....

Description

Extraordinary Near-Gem 1805 BD-2 Half Eagle

1805 $5 MS64 PCGS. Close Date, Breen-6445, BD-2, R.4. The obverse has a perfect 1 in the date, and a point of star 13 is imbedded in the bust. BD-1 also exhibits a Close Date, but BD-2 (this piece) is significantly scarcer, with an estimated mintage of just 6,000 to 8,000 coins. This was the first use of Reverse Die B, which was also used for three other 1805 varieties and one 1806 variety. Several prominent die cracks in the lower obverse indicate this is the terminal die state. Harry Bass was particularly fond of this variety; his collection included seven examples. A dedicated collector may choose to follow in Bass' footsteps and acquire one example of each of the four die states.
Dannreuther (2006) estimates that between 100 and 150 examples of this variety have survived. While relatively common in lower grades, BD-2 becomes significantly scarcer in Mint State. MS62 and even MS63 examples can be found for a price, but the advanced collector will appreciate the rarity of Choice Mint State representatives. Moreover, the present coin is exceptional, even for the grade. The surfaces are remarkably devoid of abrasions, and only with a loupe do a few minuscule adjustment marks appear at the upper obverse. A small grease stain on the reverse above the arrows is a result of the Mint's machinery, not a flaw.
The obverse boasts delightful olive-gold patina that contrasts nicely against the red-tinted reverse. A gentle layer of frosty luster covers both sides, and the details are crisply struck. NGC and PCGS do not distinguish the five different 1805 varieties in their population reports, and combined they report only four finer examples for the date (6/10). This piece certainly merits strong bidding from gold specialists.(Registry values: P2)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25P4, PCGS# 8088, GSID# 8805)

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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