1839 $5 MS(PCGS#8191)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1005

Grade

XF40

Price

2,160

Lot Description

1839 Liberty Head Half Eagle. EF-40 (PCGS). A lovely honey-orange example with undeniable originality to appreciably lustrous, frosty surfaces. Well struck overall and quite smooth for having seen light commercial use. Christian Gobrecht's redesign of the half eagle in 1839 introduced one of the longest running series in United States coinage. His modified portrait of Liberty is smaller than that on previous half eagle types, with braided hair along the forehead and a bun at the back of the head. The reverse design is similar to the outgoing type, although Gobrecht reworked the eagle to give it a more robust appearance. The 1839 Philadelphia Mint issue circulated extensively, and the vast majority of survivors are well worn, if not also impaired. With superior EF quality, the coin offered here is sure to find many eager buyers. Provenance: From the Fairmont Collection - Rhone Set. PCGS# 8191. NGC ID: 25S7. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.