1811 $5 Small 5 MS(PCGS#8109)

The August 2013 Chicago ANA World's Fair of Money

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

4482

Grade

MS64

Price

64,625

Lot Description

Tied For Finest 1811 Small 5 Half Eagle Population: 2/0 1811 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-2. Rarity-3. Small 5. MS-64+ (PCGS). CAC. This elegant and exceptional early half eagle displays not only full satiny luster but a solid strike as well. The surface quality is excellent as there are very few handling marks or bagmarks and the fields and devices are as undisturbed as one could hope to find. In fact, this coin is one of just two so graded with none seen finer by PCGS, and is arguably tied for finest known. Close examination will note trace adjustments on the upper obverse rim, but these only show on the dentils which are softly defined. As usual the reverse die was rotated about 30 degrees counter clockwise when struck, this seems to have been purposeful as John Reich, the engraver at the Philadelphia Mint, made similar reverse rotation adjustments to the half dollars of this period, and must have been related to the ability of the coining equipment to strike up the devices fully. In theory, intricate or deep devices in the dies placed just opposite tend not to strike up well without excessive pressure, as the metal has to move into these voids to create the design. Using higher striking pressure can lead to early die breakage and wear. Several denominations display similar rotated reverses into the 1830s when the steam press was adopted, which finally had enough strength to bring up the designs. PCGS# 8109. PCGS Population: 2; none finer within the Small 5 designation.