1831 $5 Large D, BD-2, R.6 MS62 PCGS....

Description

1831 Capped Head Left Five, MS62
Small Diameter, Large D, BD-2 Variety
A Classic Gold Rarity

1831 $5 Large D, BD-2, R.6 MS62 PCGS. Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection. Bass-Dannreuther Die State c/b. Despite higher mintages than the preceding Draped Bust five dollar design, John Reich's Capped Bust half eagle type is replete with great rarities in its own right, presenting some of the most memorable issues in the entire U.S. gold series. While many monumental rarities occur in the years prior to 1830, the With Motto issues up to 1834 are in great demand too. This is a splendid Mint State 1831 BD-2 example -- the Large D type -- one of just two varieties for the year. The BD-1 Small D variant represents the other 1831 die marriage. Both varieties are rare. PCGS estimates only 22 to 26 1831 half eagles are known in all grades (including both varieties).

The Large D and Small D share the same obverse die, which features large stars similar to the pre-1829 dates. A radial die crack runs past the lowest points of star 5 to Liberty's forecurl on the late die state Small D coins before growing stronger on the Large D pieces, with die chipping. A lengthy die crack travels from F in OF through the eagle's wing tip and through AMERICA on the present example. The Bass coin came out of The Nate S. Shapero Collection (Stack's, 10/1971) as lot 981, where it was described:

1831 Brilliant Uncirculated, lustrous with light orange toning. A needle-sharp strike. Better than the Alto and Miles (Wolfson) specimens. Worth more than its current listing of $1,750.00."

Green-gold surfaces do indeed show patchy areas of orange patina, with considerable reflectivity throughout attractive fields that show a few faint abrasions and tiny marks. While a set of Capped Bust "Fat Head Fives" is seldom attempted, this Large D example is ideal for the type and sure to tempt advanced collectors.

A Roster of Significant Examples, provided by Ron Guth.
1. MS65+ PCGS CAC. Nathan M. and Louis G. Kaufman Collection (RARCOA, 8/1978), lot 810; Rare and Important United States Gold Coins (Stack's, 10/1988), lot 83, $42,000; Andy Lustig; May Sale (Superior, 5/1991), lot 1380, $104,500; Anthony Terranova; Larry Hanks, sold privately in 3/2002; D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part IV (Stack's Bowers & Sotheby's, 5/2016), lot 4041, $235,000; Regency Auction 55 (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 10/2022), lot 179, $387,750.
2. MS64 PCGS CAC. 55th Anniversary Sale (Stack's, 10/1990), lot 1682; Hutchinson Collection (Heritage, 1/2017), lot 5880, $211,500; Doug Winter Numismatics; McCoy Family Collection (Heritage, 8/2020), lot 4005, $216,000; D.L. Hansen Collection.
3. Brilliant Uncirculated Uncertified. James A. Stack, Sr. Collection (Stack's, 10/1994), lot 1071, $19,800.
4. MS62 PCGS. Nate Shapero Collection (Stack's, 10/1971), lot 981; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Collection (HBCC# 3159). The present coin.
5. MS62 PCGS. Abner Kreisberg, sold privately in the 1970s; Del Valle Collection (Goldberg Auctions, 1/2014), lot 1781, $152,750.
6. MS62 NGC. Stack's, sold privately in 4/1983; Rajj Collection (Stack's Bowers, 8/2011), lot 7673, $69,000.
7. MS62 NGC. Charles Kramer Collection (Stack's and Superior, 11/1988), lot 332, $9,900; Jascha Heifetz Collection (Superior, 10/1989), lot 4366, $9,350; Margene Heathgate Collection (Superior, 6/1997), lot 1493, $22,000.
8. MS61 PCGS. D.L. Hansen Collection.
9. MS61 PCGS. Norweb Collection, Part I (Bowers and Merena, 10/1987), lot 781, $10,450; Michael I. Keston Collection (Superior, 1/1996), lot 122, $24,750; Harvey B. Jacobson, Jr. Collection (Heritage, 1/2012), lot 4683, $80,500.
10. MS61 NGC. FUN Signature (Heritage, 1/2006), lot 3477, $80,500; (Heritage, 4/2014), lot 5735, $82,250.
From The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part III.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# BFYF, Variety PCGS# 519949, Base PCGS# 45296, Greysheet# 351799)

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 Harry W. Bass, Jr. Core Collection, Part III. ]

View Certification Details from PCGS