1839 $5 MS(PCGS#8191)

1839 $5 MS (PCGS#8191)

Spring 2023 U.S. Coins Auction

Lot Description: 1839 Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF-40 (PCGS). A lovely honey-orange example with undeniable originality to appreciably lustrous, frosty surfaces. Well struck overall and quite smooth for having seen light commercial use. Christian Gobrecht's redesign of the half eagle in 1839 introduced one of the longest running series in United States coinage. His modified portrait of Liberty is smaller than that on previous half eagle types, with braided hair along the forehead and a bun at the back of the head. The reverse design is similar to the outgoing type, although Gobrecht reworked the eagle to give it a more robust appearance. More readily obtainable in an absolute sense than either the 1839-C or 1839-D, the 1839 is the most realistic type candidate of this first-year trio. This Philadelphia Mint issue circulated extensively, however, and the vast majority of survivors are well worn, if not also impaired. With superior EF quality, the coin offered here is sure to find many eager buyers. Provenance: From the Fairmont Collection - CAG Set. To view all items From the Fairmont Collection - CAG Set click here. PCGS# 8191. NGC ID: 25S7. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.