1795 $5 Small Eagle MS(PCGS#8066)

Mid-Winter ANA2000

拍卖行

Superior Galleries

批号

807

等级

MS65

价格

2,536,622

详细说明

1795 Small Eagle. NGC graded Mint State 65. Finest Certified. A wonderful specimen that is clearly the finest known. Fully struck throughout and beautifully centered, it has both sides brilliantly prooflike, while the eagle displays a lovely touch of cameo frosting. The near absence of marks on this specimen adds to its already superior aesthetic appeal and general attractiveness. Of immense historic value as well, this superb Uncirculated 1795 Small Eagle $5 gold would be a delight to even the most discriminating of collectors. The Half Eagle, or five-dollar piece, was the first gold denomination issued by the newly opened United States Mint. The earliest delivery of these coins occurred on July 31, 1795, when a mere 744 examples were delivered to the U.S. Treasurer. More would follow having the Small Eagle reverse and, by the end of 1796 (yes, that’s 1796), some 8707 pieces dated 1795 had been produced. Some were struck into the next year as often happened in the mint’s early years. The coin’s design was prepared by U.S. Chief Engraver Robert Scot. Liberty is adorned in a loose fitting blouse and wears atop her head a mob-cap, an accessory of clothing fashionable at that time. The circle of 15 stars around represent the 15 states in the union, though the admission of Tennessee in 1796 as the 16th state soon made this figure obsolete. On the reverse is a small but spirited-looking American bald eagle, holding in its beak a wreath. The eagle is perched on a branch, making for a simple but charming ensemble. United States gold coins minted before the new weight standard of 1834 went into effect are all scarce, as their bullion value exceeded their face value, causing them to be exported and melted in large numbers. While a few mint condition 1795 Half Eagles are preserved (as the first of their type), gems are decidedly rare, with this being the finest certified. (NGC holder 676945-001)