1804 $5 Small 8 MS(PCGS#8085)

November 2017 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

10170

Grade

MS64

Price

33,600

Lot Description

Choice Uncirculated 1804 Half Eagle Small 8 Variety 1804 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-4+. Small 8. MS-64 (NGC). This is a beautiful near-Gem half eagle that is sure to please even the most discerning numismatist. The obverse is satiny in texture with warm golden-orange patina, while the reverse presents a semi-prooflike finish and brighter yellow gold color. Both sides are equally sharp in strike, the borders uniformly denticulated and the devices virtually full. This is a thoroughly appealing piece that would do justice to any high quality type, date or variety set. Although BD-1 is one of the more available of the seven known die marriages of the 1804 half eagle, survivors are still rare in an absolute sense. Only 70 to 90 coins are believed extant from an estimated mintage of 3,000 to 6,000 pieces from these dies (these figures per John W. Dannreuther, 2006), and this is certainly one of the finest available today. PCGS# 8085. NGC ID: 25P2. NGC Census (all die marriages of the Small 8 Guide Book variety): 4; with a single MS-64+ finer.