1854-D $5 Large D MS(PCGS#8258)

The November 2011 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

9510

Grade

MS64

Price

49,450

Lot Description

1854-D Liberty Half Eagle. Large D. MS-64+ (PCGS). A beautiful yellow gold specimen with honey highlights, boldly active luster, and exceptional eye appeal. The strike is bold in all areas. Large, high D mintmark shows slight repunching at the bottom. No doubt a <em>Condition Census </em>example of the date; the Bass specimen, Part II:1054, was a beauty, but the present coin outshines it by a grading point and a ""+"" designation. As one of the writers (FVV) of the Bass catalogs, it is fair to mention here that had the ""+"" category been a factor back in 1999 and 2000 when the collection came to market, many of Harry's coins would have readily qualified for the accolade. From a mintage of 56,413 pieces, with VF and EF specimens fairly available in today's numismatic marketplace. In AU the date is a notable scarcity, and in Mint State, as here, it's rarity is well documented. ""A thing of beauty is a pleasure to behold"" as the old saw goes, and we suspect the next steward of this numismatic rarity will derive much pleasure every time he or she ""beholds"" this impressive Dahlonega half eagle.<br /> <br /> <strong>Numismatic Reflections by Q. David Bowers</strong><br /> Sit up and take notice. No, make that <em>stand up</em> and salute! Here indeed is a truly marvelous coin, one of the very finest in existence. It may well be the case that if you are not successful in competing with this you may never find an equal or finer coin. For the connoisseur, for the Dahlonega Mint gold coin specialist, or the Registry Set enthusiast, here indeed is a coin for the ages.