1830 $5 Small 5D, BD-2, High R.5, AU58 NGC....

Description

1830 Small Size Half Eagle, BD-2, AU58
Exceptional Small 5D, Very Rare Type

1830 $5 Small 5D, BD-2, High R.5, AU58 NGC. Bass-Dannreuther Die State b/a. Light clashing and lapping is evident on the obverse, while the reverse also has light lapping as indicated in the lower arrow feathers, but not the heavy lapping found in the latest die state. Only one obverse die was used on the 1830 five dollar coins, while two reverse dies were used, with BD-1 having the Large 5D and BD-2 displaying the Small 5D. The BD-2 die marriage is further confirmed by I in PLURIBUS being on the right edge of T in STATES. As Harry Bass recorded in his notebook, the date has recut 18 0 numerals in the date, most visible at the top of 0.
     The Small Size Capped Head half eagle design type had relatively large mintages, but paradoxically is one of the rarest United States type coins. This type was not seen in local circulation, the coinage was rather exported and melted, as the gold content exceeded the face value until lower weight standards were established with the Coinage Act of 1834. The 1830 five dollar gold had a mintage of 126,351 coins, with only an estimated 55 to 75 survivors known for the date! For the BD-2 Small 5D variety, an estimated 30 to 40 coins are extant. Chief Engraver William Kneass, who was appointed on January 29, 1824 after the death of Robert Scot on November 3, 1823, adapted the obverse and reverse designs for the the slightly smaller diameter coins that would be struck with close collars, replacing the previous open collars.
     This is an attractive specimen with orange-gold toning and tinges of olive. Only scattered light contact marks are seen on both sides, commensurate with the grade. The strike is strong, with obverse portrait elements fully formed, while the reverse has sharp eagle feathers. Frosty luster radiates from the protected areas of the design, along the peripheral letters and stars, and within the hair curls and eagle's plumage. This enchanting coin is from a type, date, and variety that is seldom available. Both NGC and PCGS have graded only 3 coins each higher than AU58 for the variety (2/26). An exciting opportunity for an exceptional sought-after rarity.
From The Presidio Collection, Part II.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFYC, Variety PCGS# 519947, Base PCGS# 45293, Greysheet# 351797)

Weight: 8.75 grams

Metal: Gold

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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