1820 $5 Curl Base 2, Small Letters, BD-8, High R.7, MS62 PCGS. CAC....

Description

1820 Capped Head Left Half Eagle, MS62
Rare Curl Base 2, Small Letters
BD-8 Variety
CAC Approved, Ex: Harry Bass

1820 $5 Curl Base 2, Small Letters, BD-8, High R.7, MS62 PCGS. CAC. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/b, with an interesting die crack from the bottom of the O through F in OF. According to Mint records, the Philadelphia Mint struck a substantial mintage of 263,806 Capped Head Left half eagles in 1820, with nine die varieties known for the date. Four of those varieties have a Square Base 2 in the date and five have a Curl Base 2. This coin represents the BD-8 variety, with a Curl Base 2, the lowest hair curl positioned mostly over the 0 in the date, and Small Letters in the reverse legend. The BD-8 is an extremely rare variety and John Dannreuther estimates just four to six examples are extant. We have listed the five specimens known to us in the roster below. Surprisingly, all known survivors are in relatively high grade. Dannreuther estimates the BD-8 dies were used to strike about 6,000 to 8,000 pieces of the reported mintage. The obverse die was also used to strike the BD-7 variety of this date and the reverse was used to produce the BD-6 variety.

The present coin was once a highlight of the fabulous collection of Harry W. Bass, Jr., a mark of distinction for any early half eagle. This spectacular MS62 example exhibits sharply detailed design elements that show complete radials on all star centers and excellent definition on the eagle's feathers. The pleasing yellow-gold surfaces radiate vibrant original mint luster and only minor signs of contact are evident, clearly affirming CAC's recognition of this piece. Eye appeal is terrific for this early gold rarity. This lot represents an important opportunity for the advanced collector.

A Roster of Significant Examples prepared with the assistance of Ron Guth and the Numismatic Detective Agency
1. MS64 PCGS CAC. B. Max Mehl; C.F. Childs; Walter H. Childs Collection (Bowers and Merena, 8/1999), lot 706; Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr., Collection (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4672; Rarities Night (Stack's Bowers, 11/2023), lot 3165.
2. MS63 PCGS. Davies/Niewoehner Collection (Paramount, 2/1975), lot 554; Stanley Kesselman, sold privately on 8/24/1978; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Collection (HBCC# 3138); Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part IV (Heritage, 8/2023), lot 9053.
3. MS63 Prooflike, Uncertified (grade per Jeff Garrett). Clifford T. Weihman, via Stack's; Josiah K. Lilly, Jr. via Stack's again; Lilly estate; National Numismatic Collection in the Smithsonian Institution.
4. MS62 PCGS. CAC. Dr. Conway A. Bolt Collection (Stack's, 4/1966), lot 917; Metro Sale (Stack's, 5/1971), lot 1384; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part IV (Bowers and Merena, 11/2000), lot 324. The present coin.
5. MS62 PCGS. Blue Moon Collection, Part I (Stack's Bowers, 3/2017), lot 2329; Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection. Possibly Ex: James Ten Eyck Collection (B. Max Mehl, 5/1922), lot 186; DiBello Collection (Stack's, 5/1970), lot 833; Stack's (9/1972), lot 207; Robison Collection (Stack's, 2/1979), lot 355

Additional Appearance
A. William F. Gable Collection (S.H. Chapman, 5/1914), lot 278.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 519927, Base PCGS# 8126, Greysheet# 198956)

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 Certification Details from PCGS