1806 $5 Pointed 6, 8X5 Stars MS(PCGS#8090)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3173

Grade

AU55

Price

18,000

Lot Description

Really a handsome piece, and by far the scarcer of the two <em>Guide Book</em> varieties of the 1806 half eagle. Originally preserved surfaces exhibit dominant medium golden-orange color with blended olive patina evident. A concentration of adjustment marks (as made) in the center of the reverse obscures the detail over and around the eagle's head and the top of the shield, and also explains the softness seen within Liberty's hair behind the ear. Otherwise this is a boldly struck coin by early half eagle standards, the impression nicely centered on both sides and most features sharp. A tiny, natural carbon spot on the obverse above the digit 8 in the date is the only post-production blemish of note, and it serves as a useful identifier for provenance purposes. BD Die State c/f.<p>As a group, 1806 half eagles of the five Pointed-Top 6, Stars 8x5 die marriages are much scarcer than those of the relatively common Round-Top 6, Stars 7x6 variety (BD-6). BD-1, offered here, is the most frequently encountered variety in the former group, although with fewer than 200 coins extant (perhaps as few as 150 pieces), it is scarce in an absolute sense.