1795 $5 BD-3, Small Eagle MS(PCGS#519852)

The February 2008 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Bowers & Merena

批号

2518

等级

AU53

价格

278,129

详细说明

1795 BD-3, HBCC-3033, Miller-2. Rarity-3+. Small Eagle. AU-53 (PCGS).This is a historically significant issue as the first gold coin struck in the United States Mint. Federal records indicate that 8,707 Half Eagles were delivered during calendar year 1795- Based on the number ol survivors (which, incidentally, is higher than normal fora pre-1834 U.S. gold coin due to the fact many examples were saved as the first coins of their kind), however, it seems likely that additional 1795 Small Eagle Fives were struck during calendar year 1796. Exactly how many more pieces were coined the following year is un¬ known, but John W. Dannreuther and Harry W. Bass, Jr. (2006) provide a total estimate mintage for this issue of 8,707-12,106 pieces. A staggering total of 12 varieties have been confirmed for the 1795 Small Eagle Five, a fact that confirms frequent die breakage during production of this issue. With 175-225 pieces believed extant. BD-3 is the most readily obtainable of these die marriages. Such an estimate, in fact, confirms the 1795 BD-3 as one of the more plentiful varieties in the entire Capped Bust Right Half Eagle series. Perfect for high-grade circulated type purposes, this coin retains overall bold definition despite a bit of light highpoint rub The wear is most evident over the eagle’s head, breast and right (facing) leg, as typically seen on lightly worn Half Eagles of this type. The color is quite bright, and it alternates between green-gold and yellow-gold shades depending on the angle of light incidence. Quite scuffy due to a short stint in circulation, yet free of sizeable and/or individually mentionable abrasions.