1836 $5 HM-5 MS(PCGS#765233)

June 2023 U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3361

Grade

AU53

Price

1,920

Lot Description

1836 Classic Head Half Eagle. HM-5. Rarity-5-. AU-53 (NGC). Boldly defined overall with subtle rose highlights to otherwise bright golden-honey surfaces. The surviving population of this scarce die pairing is just 70 coins in all grades (per Daryl J. Haynor, 2020), or 5% of extant 1836 Classic Head half eagles. The early break up of the obverse die explains the rarity of 1836 HM-5 half eagles. The reverse die has no known cracks, so it is more difficult to comprehend why Mint personnel retired it alongside the obverse after what must certainly have been a very short press run for this unique pairing. The reverse may have suffered severe damage, as well, but the paucity of survivors has so far precluded identification of a terminal die state. PCGS# 765233. NGC ID: 25RY. Click here for certification details from NGC. Additional image by NGC Photo Vision. Learn more at NGCcoin.com