1799 $5 BD-8 MS(PCGS#519883)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3164

Grade

AU53

Price

36,000

Lot Description

One of two examples of this rare die pairing once owned by Harry W. Bass, Jr., this is a premium quality About Uncirculated coin. Wisps of pinkish-rose iridescence engage a few of the obverse design elements and enhance otherwise dominant honey-gold color. Minor softness at the top of the cap and within Liberty's upper hair tresses also involves the junction of the eagle's right wing and shield and its right talon on the reverse. Obverse impression nicely centered, that on the reverse drawn slightly to 4 o'clock with scant denticulation along the lower right border. Otherwise, however, we note pleasingly bold definition in the absence of all but light wear. Much softly frosted luster remains on minimally marked, visually appealing surfaces. BD Die State b/b.<p>Writing in the 2006 reference <em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-1834</em>, John W. Dannreuther provides an estimated mintage of just 1,250 to 1,500 coins for the 1799 BD-8 half eagle die pairing. The present example is one of only 22 to 30 coins believed extant. The reverse crack from the border after the word AMERICA through the stem end and into the lower right portion of the shield, which quickly became a bisecting one, undoubtedly explains the rarity of this die variety for, while the obverse went on to strike coins in the BD-9 pairing, the reverse appears only in the BD-8 marriage. Only our fifth offering for a 1799 BD-8 half eagle since 2008, here is a significant opportunity for early gold variety enthusiasts.