1798 $5 BD-6, Large Eagle, Normal 8 MS(PCGS#507326)

September 2006 Pre-Long Beach Auction #37

Auctioneer

Goldberg Auctioneers

Lot Number

1897

Grade

XF45

Price

12,650

Lot Description

1798 $5 Capped Bust. Large eagle, small 8. PCGS graded EF-45 Breen-4F. Lovely toning on both sides. Scarce. Diagnostic bisecting die crack from B in LIBERTY through the last star. Well struck for this issue with minimal softness in the strike at the hair above Liberty's ear. Choice rims and exciting color, a coin that will find a ready home in any one of a thousand coin collections because it is so attractive. Pop 1; 2 in 53; 2 in 55; 1 in 58. (PCGS # 8079) . Adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, the Heraldic Eagle design was used on the half eagle from 1798 through 1807. Many different die varieties were produced, including several overdates. At the time it was the Mint's practice to keep earlier-dated dies on hand until they were no longer fit for service. It is believed that in 1798 the Mint combined the new Heraldic Eagle reverse with obverse dies dated 1795 and 1797, thus producing earlier-dated pieces. Estimated Value $6,500 - 7,000.