1795 $5 Small Eagle MS(PCGS#8066)

Spring 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

4025

等级

AU50

价格

275,094

详细说明

Historic First Year 1795 Small Eagle $5 Gold Off the Market for Nearly Two Decades 1795 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. Small Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-5. AU-50 (PCGS). As the first gold coin struck in the fledgling United States Mint, the popularity of the 1795 Small Eagle half eagle knows no bounds. This desirable AU-50 (PCGS) from the Zito Collection is a true prize that has been off the market for nearly two decades. It is a lustrous piece with bright lemon-yellow surfaces and hints of peach and powder-blue shades. Boldly defined with just minor abrasions noted under scrutiny, the eye appeal remains very pleasing for the grade. Mint-made die rust is visible at the obverse borders as well as a natural planchet lamination at 95 in the date which adds to the overall charm. The first delivery for this issue took place on July 31, 1795, to the extent of 744 pieces. Most numismatic scholars believe that these initial examples were struck from the die pairing that we now know as BD-1. This might seem improbable given that both the obverse and reverse dies were rusted at the time of striking, suggesting that they sat idle for quite some time before being pressed into service. Modern numismatic scholarship suggests that the delay in production of this variety was not due to the Mint's initial use of other dies, but rather the general delay in striking the first gold coins while its employees struggled to post the $10,000 bonds that Congress required before they could handle deposits of this precious metal. John W. Dannreuther (Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-1834, 2006) believes that additional deliveries from this die pairing occurred after July 31, for an estimated mintage of 750 to 1,500 coins for the 1795 BD-1 half eagle. Survivors are elusive, as is the case for all pre-1834 U.S. gold coins, with the author accounting for only 40 to 50 pieces in all grades. This thoroughly appealing coin is likely to find its way into an advanced gold type set. Provenance: From the Dr. Paul and Rosalie Zito Collection. Acquired April 25, 2003. PCGS# 8066. NGC ID: 25ND. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Click here to see Coins in Motion.[“Coins]