1798 $5 BD-6, Small 8 MS(PCGS#507326)

1798 $5 BD-6, Small 8 MS (PCGS#507326)

The September 2011 Philadelphia Americana Sale

详细说明: 1798 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Large Eagle. BD-6. Rarity-6. Small 8. AU-55 (PCGS). Sharp prooflike reflectivity on both sides, particularly on the reverse where the fields are more protected by the devices. Mottled light russet toning on both sides adds to the sense of originality which, on early gold coins, seems to become rarer all the time. Nicely struck for the issue, with just a trace of softness on the higher points of the design, as typical of the variety, but far better struck than many "Small 8" 1798 type coins. The obverse die cracked early, followed by cracks on the reverse. This piece appears identical to the die state seen on the Harry W. Bass, Jr. core collection example, the only specimen of this variety he acquired. The obverse is bisected by a crack extending rim to rim, while the reverse exhibits a long crack from the rim left of the word OF downward through the right edge of the shield. Still, this was not enough to cause the reverse to be pulled from service. Rather, it was put into use again in 1799. PCGS has graded only 11 coins in all grades of the Small 8 type, just three at this level, and only a single example finer with none at the Mint State level. A first class example of this rare variety, and quite pleasing.