1820 $5 Square Base 2, Large Letters, BD-2, High R.5, MS64 PCGS. CAC....

Description

1820 BD-2 Square Base 2 Half Eagle, MS64
Tied for the Finest Known

1820 $5 Square Base 2, Large Letters, BD-2, High R.5, MS64 PCGS. CAC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State a. We have records of a dozen Mint State examples of BD-2, including three examples that are graded MS64, each with CAC approval. This sharply detailed and highly lustrous example has hints of rose patina in the protected areas with a few delicate abrasions on each side that prevent a higher grade.

While a variety collection of 1820 half eagles includes nine coins, such a collection is a nearly impossible goal. BD-1 appears at auction about once every 20 years. BD-2 and BD-3 are frequently encountered, although the opportunity to acquire a top condition example is rare indeed. We know of just two examples of BD-4. The first of the Curl Base 2 varieties, BD-5, is occasionally available. BD-6 is a rarity with only four or five known; BD-7 is seen from time to time; BD-8 has a population of five or six examples. Just three or four examples of BD-9 are known to us.

Roster of Mint State examples
MS64 PCGS. CAC. San Francisco ANA (Heritage, 7/2005), lot 10347. The present example.
MS64 PCGS. CAC. Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4671.
MS64 PCGS. CAC. David S. Wilson Collection (S.H. Chapman, 3/1907), lot 71; Lester Merkin (3/1969), lot 194; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection (Heritage, 1/2023), lot 9042.
MS63+ PCGS. American Numismatic Rarities (6/2006), lot 2540; McCoy Family Collection (Heritage, 8/2020), lot 3992.
MS63+ PCGS. Blue Moon Collection (Stack's Bowers, 3/2017), lot 2328; Legend Rare Coin Auctions (1/2022), lot 242; Stack's Bowers (8/2025), lot 3190.
MS63 PCGS. CAC. Dr. Conway Bolt Collection (Stack's, 4/1966), lot 918; Stack's Bowers (3/2018), lot 10329.
MS63 PCGS. American Numismatic Rarities (1/2005), lot 947.
MS63 PCGS. Dallas Signature (Heritage, 12/2005), lot 1305.
MS62 NGC. Central States Signature (Heritage, 4/2013), lot 4516; Dallas Signature (Heritage, 11/2017), lot 16925.
MS61 NGC. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2008), lot 3157.
MS60 PCGS. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2017), lot 5874; Central States Signature (Heritage, 5/2022), lot 3967.
MS60 Uncertified. Stack's (3/2005), lot 1934.
From The Presidio Collection.

Coin Index Numbers: (Variety PCGS# 519921, Base PCGS# 8125, Greysheet# 198952)

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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