1795 $5 Small Eagle MS(PCGS#8066)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3121

Grade

AU58

Price

84,000

Lot Description

BD Die State c/c. A sharply struck, near-fully lustrous example of this significant first year gold issue from the United States Mint. The texture is softly frosted with subtle semi-reflectivity evident in the fields. Attractive in color, blushes of pinkish-rose peripheral iridescence blend with dominant deep olive and orange-gold. Wispy handling marks are mentioned solely for accuracy, and in the absence of sizable blemishes this coin presents as exceptionally smooth in hand. It is a superior example of the type, issue and die pairing that is worthy of the strongest bids.<p>The first gold coin struck for the United States of America was the 1795 Small Eagle half eagle, 8,707 examples of which were delivered that year. Based on the number of coins extant, it is highly likely that additional examples of this issue were struck in 1796. Indeed, John W. Dannreuther (<em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-1834</em>, 2006) estimates that the mintage for the 1795 Small Eagle may be as high as 12,106 pieces. The most plentiful of the 12 known die marriages is BD-3, offered here, with an estimated mintage of 2,000 to 3,000 coins. However, like all pre-1834 quarter eagles, half eagles and eagles, the 1795 Small Eagle $5 suffered a high rate of attrition through commercial use and melting. It is an indication of the rarity of both the type and issue that the BD-3 variety, with only 175 to 225 coins believed extant (again per Dannreuther) is the most readily obtainable die marriage of the date. Scarce from a condition standpoint and especially desirable as one of the nation's first gold coins, this appealing near-Mint State coin is bound to attract spirited bidding when it crosses the auction block in December. Plan your strategy accordingly.