Skip to main content
Go to accessibility options

Description

1806 BD-3 Half Eagle, AU53
Pointed 6 Rarity

1806 $5 Pointed 6, 8x5 Stars, BD-3, R.7, AU53 PCGS. HBJ-234. Hints of green appear on the straw-gold surfaces of this example that shows light wear on the design highpoints. A small copper toning spot is noted at star 2 on the reverse.
Variety Equivalents: Adams-2, Breen unlisted (2-C), Miller-80, Bass-3098.
Obverse Die: This is the only use of the obverse die.
Reverse Die: This is the only use of the reverse die.
Bass-Dannreuther Die State c-d/a: The obverse die state is intermediate between Dannreuther's state c and d. The crack from the border down through the cap continues into the hair but is not evident at the 0 in the date. The state d cracks in the left obverse field are not evident on this example.
PCGS Population Data (10/25): The five Pointed 6 varieties include eight that PCGS grades AU53 and 73 finer examples. Most of those submissions are likely examples of the BD-1 die marriage.
Significant Examples: This second example of the 1806 BD-3 Pointed 6 half eagle is recorded as seventh finest of 12 examples in our roster.
Breen (1966): Breen certainly saw a large number of early gold coins, although much of his research relied on the observations of earlier students as well as examination of older catalog plates.
Bass-Dannreuther (2006): Dannreuther observed three auction appearances between 1990 and 2005 and estimates that six to 10 examples are known.
Heritage Commentary: Until contradictory information becomes available, we are confident that there are six varieties of 1806 half eagles. Perhaps 80% of all auction appearances are for the BD-6 die marriage with the Round Top 6 in the date and the distinctive 7x6 stars obverse layout. Next most plentiful is the 1806 BD-1 variety, followed by BD-2, BD-4, BD-5, and this BD-3, the rarest of the six varieties.
Doug Winter Commentary: If you fanned on the MS61 above, why not give this more affordable piece a run?
Provenance: Bowers and Merena (12/2003), lot 2548.
From The Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection of Early Half Eagles.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 25P7, Variety PCGS# 45623, Base PCGS# 8090, Greysheet# 198215)

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 all of [The Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection of Early U.S. Half Eagles ]

View Certification Details from PCGS

Auction Info

Auction Dates
January, 2026
8th Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 16
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 388

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
22% of the successful bid per lot.

Sold on Jan 8, 2026 for: $12,200.00
Track Item