1823 $5 MS64 PCGS....

Description

Brilliant and Lustrous 1823 Half Eagle

1823 $5 MS64 PCGS. This is one of the finest Capped Head half eagles of this date or of the entire type that we have handled. This is also one of the finest examples of this date ever certified. NGC has graded one example at a higher grade. This is tied for the finest certified by PCGS. While this date is considered to be a "common date," it is only common in relation to most other dates of this design. Realistically, this is probably still close to a Rarity-5 issue with not more than 100 coins known. This was the estimate provided by the author of the early half eagle section of The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Museum Sylloge. We would actually be highly surprised if even that many exist. The availability of this date is often over-estimated due to the number of high-grade examples surviving. David Akers, for example, recorded an average grade of AU50 in his auction survey of half eagles. PCGS has certified 33 examples of this date and NGC has graded another 22, yet of this total, only five coins grade less than AU50.
Only one die marriage is known for the year, from an 1823-dated obverse die and a reverse that was first used with an 1820-dated obverse die. On the reverse, each of the three Ts has a triangular notch out of the upright, just above the right base. It is this identification point that proves this die was used from 1820 through 1826. This near-Gem example has incredible greenish-gold luster with frosty devices and satiny fields. The result is light cameo contrast. A few wispy lines and trivial abrasions are noted; however, we have seen MS65 coins with heavier blemishes. There may be one finer coin in existence, however, we consider this to be one of the best surviving examples of this coinage issue.(#8131) (Registry values: P4)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFY4, PCGS# 8131, GSID# 8832)

Metal: 91.67% Gold, 8.33% Copper
Weight: 8.75 grams
AGW: 0.25789oz
Mintage: 14,485

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