Half Eages, Lots 806-859
The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part II
Half Eages, Lots 806-859
Important Mint State 1818 Half Eagle
STATESOF Reverse
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806 1818 Breen-6470, B-2B. Rarity-4. STATESOF. MS-64 (PCGS). Sharply struck with frosty deep orange-gold lustre and very minor surface marks. The reverse die was rotated clockwise about 45°. Very minor adjustment marks are noted at center of reverse.
PCGS Population: 3; 1 finer (MS-66).
A thin die crack bisects the final 8, continuing through the hair curls and earlobe reaching star 6 and the border. The reverse die is perfect.
From Quality Sales Corporation’s auction of the John A. Beck Collection, Part I, January 1975, Lot 400.
Another 1818 STATESOF
$5
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807 1818 Breen-6470, B-2B. Rarity-4. STATESOF. AU-53 (PCGS). A very pleasing example in light yellow gold with considerable remaining lustre.
PCGS Population: 1; 8 finer (MS-66 finest).
The obverse has a crack from the lower border bisecting the final 8 and through the bust to Liberty’s ear.
Purchased from Robert Johnson, February 29, 1972.
1818 Half Eagle
Normal Reverse
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808 1818 Breen-6471, B-1A. Rarity-5. Normal Reverse. AU-55 (PCGS). Very pleasing light yellow gold surfaces with light orange toning. Slightly soft at the central obverse and reverse. Considerable lustre remains in the protected areas.
Perfect obverse. A die crack connects the bases of AMERICA and D.
From Stack’s sale of the Shapero Collection, October 1971, Lot 973.
Another 1818 Normal
Reverse $5
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809 1818 Breen-6471, B-1A. Rarity-5. Normal Reverse. EF-40. Light greenish gold with very slightly sweated surfaces.
A crack joins bases of AMERICA and D while another crack passes just right of the lowest leaf on its journey from claw to border.
"Sweating" is an early numismatic term which refers to coins that were placed in bags or small pouches and repeatedly shaken, thus causing small flakes of gold to fall off the "sweated" coins. Over the course of time, merchants or others could garner a bit of free gold from the coins they handled in this manner.
From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 353.
Choice Mint State 1818 Half Eagle
Blundered Reverse
810 1818 Breen-6472, B-3C. Rarity-6. 5D Over 50. MS-63 (PCGS). Frosty light greenish gold lustre with a few widely scattered contact marks, most notably under E of UNITED. Very sharply struck.
PCGS Population: 3; 1 finer (MS-65).
Perfect dies.
From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1764.
Second 1818 5D Over
50 $5
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811 1818 Breen-6472, B-3C. Rarity-6. 5D Over 50. AU-58 (PCGS). Sharply struck in attractive greenish gold with considerable lustre, nearly complete. A few very minor hairlines and other tiny abrasions are noted.
PCGS Population: 1; 7 finer (MS-65 finest).
Later die state than the previous lot. Both dies have minor clash marks. The reverse has a faint crack through tops of ATES.
Purchased from Coin Galleries of San Francisco, August 20, 1966.
Extremely Rare 1819 Half Eagle
A Classic in the Series
Possibly Fewer than
20 Known
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812 1819 Breen-6473, B-1A. Rarity-6. 5D over 50. MS-63 (PCGS). Frosty yellow gold lustre with attractive peripheral orange toning. A few very minor hairlines and other abrasions are present, however, this is a specimen of high quality. The reverse of this variety represents a reuse of the 5D over 50 blundered die earlier used for 1818 coinage.
This issue is a major rarity among early half eagles. The reported mintage of 51,723 coins for 1819 does not tell the story. Most certainly, almost all of these were dated 1818. Coins dated 1818 are much more common while coins dated 1819 are far rarer to believe the mintage figures. In his Complete Encyclopedia, Walter Breen suggested that less than 20 examples are known of three different die varieties. Pedigrees of known examples have not been compiled by us at this time. Saul Teichman enumerated 17 different coins of all three varieties, however, he stated that his information is very incomplete.
The presently offered coin is the Wolfson Collection specimen, earlier pedigreed by Walter Breen to David S. Wilson (sold by Chapman in 1907), William H. Woodin (plated in the 1914 ANS catalogue), F.C.C. Boyd (sold by Numismatic Gallery in 1946), and the "Memorable" Collection (sold by Numismatic Gallery in 1948).
PCGS Population: 2; none finer.
Clash marks within the vertical shield stripes only. Light die rust lumps are over D in the denomination, not present on either 1818 just offered, although from the same reverse die.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, February 14, 1972. Earlier from Stack’s sale of the Wolfson Collection. Still earlier from the David S. Wilson (1907), the cabinet of William H. Woodin, the F.C.C. Boyd Collection (1946), and the "Memorable" Collection (1948), as noted above.
Extremely Rare 1820 Half Eagle Variety
Assigned Designation "Breen-7F"
Not Known to Breen
or Miller
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813 1820 Breen-6476, B-7F. Rarity-7. Square Base 2. VF-35. (Designation recently assigned; Breen did not know of the variety). Deep yellow gold with moderately abraded surfaces resulting from improper cleaning. Still very attractive and extremely rare. This variety was not known to Walter Breen when he compiled his manuscripts on early gold varieties. The variety was also unknown to Robert W. Miller, Sr. when he published his monograph on the early gold varieties in 1997. This is one of only two examples we have currently traced, the other being retained by the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation. It is probably that a small number of additional examples exist, perhaps two or three others.
Light clash marks with a small bulge over the date.
In our descriptions of certain earlier half eagles, we have alluded to difficult challenges facing us when attempting to sort out the various varieties. The presently offered date, 1820, is possibly one of our greatest challenges. We have to determine which obverse and reverse dies actually exist, and how these were combined to create an accurate list of actual varieties. Past literature has described seven different obverse dies and six reverse dies in various combinations. Three major groups exist: Square-based 2; Curve-based 2, Large Letters; and Curve-based 2, Small Letters. Using Breen’s obverse and reverse die notations, we believe the following nine varieties exist. Square-based 2: Breen-1A, 1C, 2B, and 7F. Curve-based 2, Large Letters: Breen-3C and 6C. Curve-based 2, Small Letters: Breen-3D, 4E, and 6D. Harry Bass was able to acquire all nine of these varieties with three different among four coins in the present sale.
The half eagles of 1820 were of particular interest to Harry Bass, and among his notes are draft articles and commentaries. We plan to incorporate these in the sylloge now being prepared for the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation. We invite contributions from interested scholars and collectors who may have information not already incorporated in published reference works. Credit will be given to all who help.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, April 13, 1972.
Gem 1820 Half Eagle
Curved Base 2, Large
Letters
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814 1820 Breen-6477, B-6C. Rarity-6. Curved Base 2, Large Letters. MS-65 (PCGS). Sharply struck and extremely lustrous and frosty bright yellow gold. A lovely gem with only a few very minor toning spots. Certainly a highlight in the present sale. This is the third example of this die marriage we have handled, the others being a Proof example acquired by Harry Bass from the Norweb Collection and being retained by the foundation, and a choice MS-63 coin offered in our sale of June 1986. Interestingly, six different business strike examples of this variety that we have traced are all choice or gem Mint State. Thus, there must have been a very special circumstance regarding the original distribution from this die pair–perhaps for presentation?
PCGS Population: 2; none finer.
Perfect dies.
Purchased from Wayne Pratali, August 13, 1969.
Amazing Gem 1820 Half Eagle
Curved Base 2, Large Letters
From the Bareford
Collection
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815 1820 Breen-6477, B-3C. Rarity-5+. Curved Base 2, Large Letters. MS-65 (PCGS). A lovely gem with satiny bright yellow gold lustre and superb design definition. A few virtually imperceptible hairlines and other abrasions require magnification to see. When was the last time anyone offered two Gem 1820 half eagles? This is probably the finest known business strike example of this die variety in existence. We have notes on a dozen examples of this variety, with only two of these being less than MS-60.
PCGS Population: 2; none finer.
Light obverse clash marks. Perfect reverse.
From Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, December 1978, Lot 159.
Choice Mint State 1820 Half Eagle
Curved Base 2, Large
Letters
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816 1820 Breen-6477, B-3C. Rarity-5+. Curved Base 2, Large Letters. MS-63 (PCGS). Very sharply struck with finely detailed hair curls, possibly representing a new hub. Lustrous bright yellow gold with minor hairlines and other abrasions. This redefined obverse is reminiscent of large cents from this same date, also with much finer hair detail than in previous years. Perhaps new hubs were introduced this year for both denominations.
PCGS Population: 1; 3 finer (MS-65 finest).
Perfect dies.
From Rarcoa’s session of Auction ’85, Lot 433.
Prooflike Mint State
1823 Half Eagle
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817 1823 Breen-6481, B-1A. Rarity-4. MS-63 (PCGS). A cameo in bright yellow gold with reflective prooflike fields and lustrous devices. Usual minor surface marks are present. Very sharply struck and extremely attractive. This is the only known die variety of 1823-dated half eagles. This design type was minted from 1813 through 1829. Of all the different issues, only 1813, 1814/3, 1818, 1820, and 1823 are available at reasonable price levels. Of course, any choice Mint State example, such as that offered here, is a rarity and deserves significant bidding. On an absolute basis, very few 1823 half eagles exist, and no doubt a survey of leading dealers would reveal that many if not most have never handled even a single specimen in any grade.
PCGS Population: 2; 2 finer (MS-64 finest).
From Rowe & Brownlee, May 7, 1969. Earlier from Rarcoa’s sale of April 1968, Lot 204.
Classic 1827 Half Eagle Rarity
Possibly 30 Exist
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818 1827 Breen-6486, B-1A. Rarity-5. AU-58 (PCGS). A pleasing example in deep orange-gold with a few minor hairlines, the most noticeable in the left obverse field. Very sharply struck with nearly complete details. The lustre is only broken on the very highest points of design. This is the only die variety of the year. Probably at the high end of Rarity-5 and possibly even Rarity-6. In his Complete Encyclopedia, Walter Breen stated that just 12 to 15 exist. We believe the survival is actually in the range of 30 coins. Saul Teichman has compiled notes on 11 examples and notes that "this is an extremely difficult year to pedigree."
PCGS Population: 2; 9 finer (MS-65 finest).
From Stack’s sale of February 1977, Lot 815. Earlier from Paramount’s sale of February 1975.
A Classic Rarity
Mint State 1828 Half Eagle
From the Garrett
Collection
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819 1828 Breen-6488, B-2B. Rarity-6+. Normal Date. MS-62 (PCGS). Lovely deep orange-gold with frosty lustre, very slightly reflective in the obverse fields. A few very minor hairlines and other imperfections are noted. The coinage of 1828 includes two overdate varieties with possibly five or six known and two normal date varieties, such as offered here, with fewer than 20 specimens known. Notes by Saul Teichman include details on five examples of two overdate varieties and 12 examples of two normal date varieties.
For years the 1828 half eagle has been recognized as one of the foremost classics in the series. Often a span of years will elapse between our offering a piece at auction, and the same could be said for other leading auction firms. In a way, the 1828 may be "too rare," for relatively little notice has been given to it. The present offering is one of the most important in this sale.
PCGS Population: 1; none finer.
Perfect obverse. A minute die crack connects the base of 5 and D in the denomination.
From our sale of the Garrett Collection, November 1979, Lot 470. Earlier from William Hesslein, November 25, 1919. This coin came to us accompanied by a lot envelope from the Norweb Collection, that coin being retained by the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation. Apparently, at some time in the past, the two coins were placed in improper coin envelopes. The coin presently offered, however, does match the illustration in our Garrett Collection catalogue (which followed our policy, years ago and also today, of using illustrations of the actual coins being sold, rather than "stock" pictures).
Gem 1829 Large Planchet Half Eagle
Only Seven Known
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820 1829 Breen-6489, B-1A. Rarity-7. Large Planchet. MS-65 (PCGS). This superb half eagle has deep greenish gold lustre with a trace of orange. The surface blends frosty lustre around the borders and on the devices with more reflective satiny lustre among the interior fields. A few very minor surface marks are present, however, the superb aesthetic qualities more than overcome the minor imperfections.
Just seven examples of this variety are known, according to both Walter Breen and Saul Teichman. Of these, two were owned by Harry Bass with the finer(!) Virgil Brand coin being retained by the Foundation. Another example is permanently housed in the Smithsonian Institution.
Although we tend to state our own feelings, and not to emphasize rarity at the expense of accuracy (see our comments under Lot 818, for which we could simply have stated that 12 to 15 exist), in the present instance we have no reason to doubt that seven or eight known 1829 $5 pieces of this variety is correct or very nearly so.
On the other hand, Saul Teichman suggests nine examples are known. Further, Walter Breen’s roster in his Complete Encyclopedia creates some confusion as he has a single auction listing included for two different coins. As with many aspects of early half eagle coinage, much more research is needed (and is in progress).
PCGS Population: 1; none finer.
Perfect obverse. The reverse has minor clash marks and a minor crack through bases of 5D and left to border.
Further concerning pedigree listings and rarity evaluations:
The determination of the true rarity of certain early United States coins is a very difficult procedure. As noted earlier, it was the practice of some firms to use "stock" illustrations while offering rarities for sale. Thus, such catalogues are useless in determining pedigrees, unless the identity of the buyer is learned, and the coin can be tracked down at a later date. Among early catalogues, particularly those circa 1859-1890, many rare United States coins were described but not illustrated. The grades used in the descriptions are of no value today, as often the quality indications were "stretched" for scarce and rare pieces. A coin that might be called "Very Fine" if of a common variety, might become "nearly Mint State" if it was a rarity. Still further, grading interpretations at all levels have changed dramatically since then.
In today’s era we have population reports of coins that have passed under the evaluation of the different grading services. However, a single coin can be resubmitted to a given grading service, as well as to other grading services, with the result that in some instances several different listings represent only one different specimen. We cannot help but recall an instance in which a well-known dealer resubmitted a particularly nice 1916-D Mercury dime over two dozen times to his favorite grading service, until he finally received the grading number he wanted!
To insure absolute accuracy, it would be necessary to conduct a modern-day evaluation of different rarities, examining them and making note of particular "fingerprints" that would forever identify them–such as the location of specific nicks and marks.
From Stack’s 1976 ANA Sale, August 1976, Lot 2945. Earlier from Stack’s sale of the Dr. Clifford Smith Collection in 1955, Lot 1691. Earlier from the King Farouk Collection and still earlier from Col. E.H.R. Green.
Extremely Rare 1829 Half Eagle
Small Planchet
About Eight Known
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821 1829 Breen-6490, B-2B. Rarity-7. Small Planchet. MS-61 PL. Sharply struck in deep yellow gold with fully prooflike fields and lightly frosted devices. An attractive cameo. A few light scratches and hairlines are seen in the left obverse field and in the reverse field, these preventing PCGS from issuing a certification. Thus, the grade designation is our own, which we believe is fair.
This rarity is one of about eight known examples. Walter Breen pays this the tribute as being "one of the most famous of all half eagle rarities." The same writer delineates eight specimens known to him, which may include duplication, but which in any event includes a piece permanently in the Mint Cabinet at the Smithsonian Institution.
As a famous rarity plus its status as the first of the new design type, the presently offered 1829 half eagle is of incredible importance. For the specialist it represents an opportunity that may not be repeated for a very long time.
Perfect dies.
Purchased from Julian Leidman in August 1978. Earlier from Kagin’s sale of November 1974, Lot 1618.
Mint State 1830 Half Eagle
Classic Rarity
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822 1830 Breen-6492, B-2. Rarity-5. Small 5D. MS-62 (PCGS). Deep yellow gold lustre, frosty in nature with light surface abrasions. This variety with Small 5D is slightly more available than the Large 5D variety. We have handled six and two examples of each variety, respectively, prior to this sale. Of the six appearances, the Eliasberg coin was described as Proof and the Garrett specimen as MS-63. The other four were classified in lower grades.
As mentioned in the introduction to the present half eagle denomination, coins of the 1829-1834 era are of special rarity, their elusive nature being equaled by few other date runs in the American series. This and related pieces are among the foremost treasures in the Bass Collection being brought to the market. As is so often applicable, opportunity is the key word.
PCGS Population: 2; 3 finer (MS-64 finest).
Perfect dies.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of February 1972, Lot 421.
Attractive 1833 Half Eagle
Famous Rarity
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823 1833 Breen-6498, B-II. Rarity-5. AU-50. Lightly reflective greenish yellow gold with a few insignificant hairlines and other imperfections. A very attractive example of this scarce coinage issue. This is Breen’s Large Wide Date and is clearly the most common variety of 1833 half eagle, although still rated as Rarity-5 with probably fewer than 50 examples known.
With this coin we conclude the offering of early half eagles from the Bass Collection.
A die crack from the border curves through the digit 1, bust tip, and star 1 back to the border. The reverse has moderate die rust.
From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1768.
Mint State 1834 No Motto $5
Classic Head, Plain
4
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824 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-63 (PCGS). Sharply struck with attractive, satiny green gold lustre. Very pleasing with only a few scattered surface marks. A truly delightful example of the first year of the Classic Head style. Beginning with the Classic Head, the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, a fixture of the half eagle coinage ever since the first employment of the Heraldic Eagle reverse, was eliminated.
McCloskey-1A. Fancy 8, Plain 4, top of 4 close to hair curl. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Common variety. The obverse has a series of curved die cracks through stars 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Die varieties of Classic Head half eagles were described by John McCloskey in "A Study of Classic Half Eagles, 1834-1838" published by American Numismatic Society in America’s Gold Coinage edited by William E. Metcalf as part of the Coinage of the America’s Conference series, 1989. Harry W. Bass, Jr. played a major role in this event with a display of many early gold coins. The present selection of Classic Head half eagles include notes about John McCloskey’s attributions.
The Classic Head design was created by William Kneass and was an adaptation of John Reich’s design that appeared on large cents of 1808 to 1814 and half cents of 1809 to 1836. These dies were created by Kneass after passage of the Mint Act of June 28, 1834, lowering the weight of gold coinage. The reverse design was virtually identical to previous half eagles except the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM was eliminated. The design was very slightly modified by Christian Gobrecht in 1836.
New legislation, which was actually implemented on August 2, 1834, made it possible for gold quarter eagles and half eagles to circulate once again, something that had not happened since 1815. Now, for the first time in nearly two decades, these pieces were seen in everyday channels of commerce in the United States, most often in large cities (in rural areas trade continued to be largely conducted by the barter system, credits, bank drafts, and notes). Classic Head half eagles, minted through and including 1838, were employed intensely, with the result that today the typically seen grade is apt to be VF or EF, rarely AU, and even more rarely, Mint State. The Bass Collection is laden with exceptions, rather than coins of the general rule, and it is indeed remarkable that plural Mint State coins are now offered for sale.
Purchased from Julian Leidman, April 2, 1970.
Mint State 1834 Classic Head $5
No Motto, Plain
4
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825 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-63 (PCGS). Highly lustrous brilliant yellow gold. The devices are frosty while the fields are satiny. An attractive combination yielding a light cameo appearance. A shallow patch of planchet roughness, possibly from a minor lamination, is below TE of STATES. Clearly the finest example of this die variety we have ever handled and certainly one of the very finest in existence. The only finer example we are aware of was a gem in Stack’s sale of May 1989.
McCloskey-3A. Fancy 8, Plain 4, top of 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Scarce variety. The obverse has a crack from Liberty’s eyelid to her chin, passing through her eye and across her cheek. Another crack from the border at 5:00 extends into the hair curls.
From Stack’s 1976 ANA Sale, Lot 2948.
Another Choice 1834 Half Eagle
No Motto, Plain
4
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826 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-63 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold with sharp design details and slightly reflective fields. An attractive cameo with very minor marks.
McCloskey-3B. Thin die crack from eye to chin. Reverse with cracks from border to wing tips.
From Stack’s session of Auction ’85, Lot 1916.
Lovely Prooflike 1834 Half Eagle
No Motto, Plain 4
827 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-62 (PCGS). A highly attractive example with deep yellow prooflike lustre. Numerous minor abrasions are reflected in the fields, appearing worse than they actually are. Very sharply struck with slight weakness at center of obverse. First year of the Classic Head design prepared by William Kneass. This example is equal in quality to the Garrett Collection coin and is one of the very finest business strikes of this die variety we have handled. A small number of choice and gem Mint State coins are known.
Three date styles were used for the 1834 Classic Head half eagles: Plain 4 with Block 8, Plain 4 with Fancy 8, and Crosslet 4 with Fancy 8.
Another lovely Mint State example from the same dies.
McCloskey-3B. Fancy 8, Plain 4, top of 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. This variety is relatively available, but not often in Mint State. Here is another chance to compete for the ownership of a very attractive piece.
From Paramount’s sale of February 1973, Lot 1055.
Lovely 1834 Classic Head $5
828 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-58. Brilliant frosty deep yellow gold with a few minor surface marks. Traces of reflective prooflike surface are visible. Very slightly weak on the high points of the curls below the headband. A very pleasing example.
McCloskey-3B. Fancy 8, Plain 4, top of 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Common variety.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, July 23, 1970.
Lustrous 1834 Classic Head $5
829 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-58. Lustrous greenish gold with very slightly reflective surfaces. Very sharply struck and with only minor imperfections. A highly desirable example for the date or type collector.
McCloskey-3B. Fancy 8, Plain 4, top of 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Common variety.
From Stack’s sale of the Bartle Collection, October 1984, Lot 1114.
830 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-50. Light yellow gold with moderately abraded surfaces. The surfaces have been lightly brushed or otherwise treated to simulate a high degree of lustre.
McCloskey-1A. Fancy 8, Plain 4, top of 4 close to hair curl. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Common variety. The obverse has a series of curved die cracks through stars 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Purchased from Edwin Shapero, December 28, 1971.
831 1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-50. Light greenish gold with traces of lustre in the protected areas. A few minor surface marks although still very attractive.
McCloskey-1A. Fancy 8, Plain 4, top of 4 close to hair curl. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Common variety.
From Rarcoa’s 1970 ANA Sale, Lot 1522.
Choice Mint State 1834 Half Eagle
No Motto, Triple-Cut
Plain 4
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832 1834 Breen-6502. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-64 (PCGS). A lovely example, sharply struck with brilliant, frosty light yellow gold lustre. A few very minor surface marks are noted. Slightly weak at center of obverse and reverse. This is one of the very finest known from the die marriage. Finer than the coin in our November 1989 sale, one of just three Mint State coins we have previously offered. A few other Mint State examples have been identified.
McCloskey-2A. Block 8, plain 4, top of triple cut 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Perfect dies. Common variety.
From Paramount’s 1969 ANA Sale, Lot 1872.
Lovely Mint State 1834 Half Eagle
No Motto, Triple-Cut
Plain 4
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833 1834 Breen-6502. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-64 (PCGS). Deep yellow gold lustre with a hint of orange. Frosty peripheral lustre with slightly reflective fields around devices. The devices are lustrous and provide attractive cameo contrast. Minor contact marks primarily on the reverse. Generally sharp although very slight central weakness is noted. Another wonderful example from this distinctive obverse. The digit 4 is tripled and this feature is clearly visible at top right. Three different reverse dies were combined with this obverse and all three varieties are offered in the present sale.
McCloskey-2B. Block 8, plain 4, top of triple cut 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Tiny cracks from borders to wing tips. Scarce variety.
Purchased from Stack’s, November 3, 1970.
Mint State 1834 Half Eagle
No Motto, Triple-Cut
Plain 4
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834 1834 Breen-6502. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-61. Highly lustrous light orange-gold with minor surface marks and hairlines. Slightly weak at central obverse and reverse. Probably one of the very finest existing specimens from this scarce die marriage, although we must mention a remarkable MS-64 specimen in our January 1996 Rarities Sale. This present example is probably the second or third finest known of this variety.
McCloskey-2C. Block 8, Plain 4, top of triple cut 4 distant from hair curl. Small detached berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over right edge of 5. Scarce variety.
Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, May 3, 1973.
Lustrous 1834 McCloskey-4C $5
No Motto, Plain
4
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835 1834 Breen-6502. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-55. Lustrous bright yellow gold with a few very minor surface marks. Sharply struck and quite pleasing. This is only the third example of this die variety we have ever handled.
McCloskey-4C. Block 8, Plain 4, top of 4 almost touches hair curl. Very small detached berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over right edge of 5. A scarce variety. A die crack from the border at 11:30 passes between stars 6 and 7 to the upper hair curls and BE of LIBERTY.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of October 1969, Lot 435.
836 1834 Breen-6502. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-55. An attractive example with lustrous bright greenish gold surfaces. Very lightly abraded with a small scrape in the right obverse field.
McCloskey-2A. Block 8, Plain 4, top of triple cut 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Common variety.
Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, January 19, 1970.
1834 Crosslet 4
Half Eagle
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837 1834 Breen-6503. Classic Head. No Motto, Crosslet 4. AU-55 (PCGS). A pleasing example with considerable bright yellow gold lustre. Minor abrasions, scratches, and hairlines are noted and have been factored into the grade by the experts at PCGS. Very light scratches on Liberty’s cheek.
McCloskey-5D. Fancy 8, Crosslet 4, top of 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Scarce variety.
Purchased from Se Ro Coins, Inc., March 10, 1969.
1834 Crosslet 4
Half Eagle
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838 1834 Breen-6503. Classic Head. No Motto, Crosslet 4. AU-55. This is a lovely example of the popular Crosslet 4 variety, quite scarce and hard to locate in nice quality. Light greenish gold with considerable frosty lustre. A few very minor abrasions and light hairlines are in evidence. Seldom do examples appear on the market in grades similar to this. Since 1972 we have only handled one finer example, a Mint State coin in our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977.
McCloskey-5D. Fancy 8, Crosslet 4, top of 4 distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Scarce variety.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1970, Lot 725.
Mint State 1835
Half Eagle
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839 1835 Breen-6504. MS-62 (PCGS). Light orange-gold with a trace of green. Frosty lustre. This is a very attractive specimen with faint hairlines and a few scattered contact marks. This variety and the McCloskey-3D marriage are the only two reasonably common varieties among 1835 half eagles.
McCloskey-1A. Block 8. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Common variety. Clashed at center of obverse and reverse.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1970, Lot 726.
Lovely Mint State 1835 Half Eagle
Rare Die Variety
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840 1835 Breen-6504. MS-62 (PCGS). Only the fourth time we have handled this variety at auction, this example being the finest. Deep greenish gold with reflective, prooflike surfaces. Lightly lustrous devices; an attractive cameo. Sharply struck. This is a very rare variety and quite possibly the finest known example. Certainly finer than the example in our January 1980 sale, the only other Mint State coin we recall offering.
McCloskey-1D. Block 8. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Rare variety. Central obverse clash marks.
Purchased from Steinmetz Coins & Currency, Inc., August 24, 1978.
Lustrous 1835 Half Eagle
841 1835 Breen-6504. AU-58. Bright greenish gold with nearly complete frosty lustre. Lightly cleaned with minor abrasions.
McCloskey-1A. Block 8. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Common variety. Perfect dies without clash marks.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, April 23, 1973.
842 1835 Breen-6504. AU-55. Lustrous bright yellow gold with very minor hairlines. A very pleasing Classic Head half eagle.
McCloskey-1A. Block 8. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Common variety. Obverse and reverse central clash marks.
Purchased from Michael Kirzner, August 11, 1971.
843 1835 Breen-6504. AU-55. Lustrous light greenish gold with scattered minor surface marks. A small scrape is just inside the obverse border at 9:00.
McCloskey-1C. Block 8. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left half of 5. Scarce variety.
From Rarcoa’s sale of February 1972, Lot 875.
$5 Issues 1835 to 1852
844 One dozen half eagles beginning with 1835 and continuing intermittently to 1852, including Classic Head and Liberty Head types: I 1835 Breen-6504. AU-50 I 1836 Breen-6509. EF-45 I 1840 Breen-6523. EF-45 I 1843 Large letters. AU-58. A small scratch is noted on the reverse I 1844 AU-58 I 1844-O EF-45 I 1846 Large date. AU-50 I 1847 Repunched 7 in date. AU-58 I 1848 AU-55 I 1849 Doubled 49. AU-50 I 1849 AU-50 I 1852 AU-58. Mostly brilliant with some lustre remaining. (Total: 12 pieces)
845 1835 Breen-6505. AU-58 (PCGS). Light greenish gold with reflective satiny lustre and traces of orange toning around the reverse border. A few light hairlines and surface abrasions are visible.
McCloskey-3D. Fancy 8. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over right half of 5. Common variety.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, September 12, 1973.
Interesting Half Eagle Grouping
846 Offering of 12 half eagles, each a different date and mint: I 1835 Breen-6505. EF-45 I 1836 Breen-6509. EF-40 I 1843 AU-55 I 1844 AU-55 I 1844-O EF-45 I 1846 Large date I 1847 Doubled 7 in date. AU-58 I 1849 Repunched date. AU-50 I 1852 AU-50 I 1853 AU-58 I 1855 AU-50 I 1861 AU-58. Mostly brilliant, all with some pleasing lustre remaining. (Total: 12 pieces)
Selection of Half Eagles
847 Selection of 13 half eagles, mostly predating the Civil War: I 1835 Breen-6506. AU-50, light obverse scratches I 1836 Breen-6509. EF-40 I 1843 Large letters. AU-55 I 1844 AU-58 I 1844-O EF-45, rim nicks and saltwater surfaces I 1846 Small date. AU-50 I 1847 AU-58 I 1849 Repunched date. AU-50, toned I 1852 AU-50 I 1853 AU-58 I 1855 AU-50 I 1857 AU-58 I 1861 AU-58. Mostly lustrous and pleasing. (Total: 13 pieces)
Choice Mint State
1836 Half Eagle
Enlarge
848 1836 Breen-6508. MS-64 (PCGS). A wonderful example with fully brilliant, frosty yellow gold lustre. The obverse is virtually gem quality with a few minor marks on the reverse. We have handled a small number of coins from this die pair, but the only nicer example, and marginally at that, is the coin we sold in the Fairfield Collection sale of October 1977. This coin is probably one of the two or three very finest known of this variety.
PCGS Population: 9; 1 finer (MS-65).
McCloskey-5D. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Scarce variety. Perfect dies.
Purchased from Stack’s, November 3, 1970.
Another Mint State
1836 Half Eagle
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849 1836 Breen-6509. MS-63 (PCGS). Fully brilliant yellow gold with very faint orange toning. A delightful example with choice surfaces and only very minor surface marks. Although a common variety, this example is the finest we have ever offered, eclipsing the MS-62 example in our March 1991 sale. Although no accurate Condition Census of Classic Head half eagles exists, to the best of our knowledge, we believe this is among the very finest known examples of this variety.
McCloskey-4D. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Common variety. Perfect dies.
From Stack’s sale of February 1977, Lot 598.
Mint State 1836
Half Eagle
Enlarge
850 1836 Breen-6509. MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant, frosty orange-gold with lovely surfaces. A small patch of planchet roughness is below the eagle’s head.
McCloskey-6E. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather left of 5. Common variety. Perfect dies.
Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, August 4, 1967.
Mint State 1836
Half Eagle
Enlarge
851 1836 Breen-6509. MS-61 (PCGS). Sharply struck with lustrous bright yellow gold. A few minor hairlines and other abrasions are noted, however, none are serious.
McCloskey-4D. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Common variety.
From Stack’s Garrett sale, March 1976, Lot 369.
Lustrous 1836 Half Eagle
852 1836 Breen-6509. AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous bright yellow gold with minor surface impairments as expected. A minor rim bruise is noted at 8:00 on the obverse.
McCloskey-4D. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Common variety. Perfect dies.
Purchased from Lester Merkin, May 11, 1970.
Another Frosty 1836 Half Eagle
853 1836 Breen-6509. AU-58. Lustrous yellow gold with a few very minor abrasions. An attractive specimen with much mint frost.
McCloskey-4D. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Common variety. Perfect dies.
Purchased from Abe Kosoff, November 14, 1967.
854 1836 Breen-6509. AU-55. Light yellow gold with nearly complete lustre. Minor surface marks as expected for the grade.
McCloskey-4C. Block 8, double forehead curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Scarce variety. Perfect dies.
Purchased from Dan Messer, August 14, 1971.
855 1836 Breen-6509. AU-53. Light yellow gold lustre with a trace of orange toning. A light vertical scratch on the neck accompanies other very minor impairments. Quite desirable.
McCloskey-2B. Block 8, double forehead curl. No berry in branch, with tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Rare variety. A crack bisects the obverse through star 8, Liberty’s hair and headband, and the digit 6 to the border. A branch from the top of the 6 curves over 3 to top of 8.
The pedigree listed below prompts us to note that Harry Bass purchased coins from dozens of different sources. A compilation of these sources will appear as part of the sylloge we are now preparing for the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Research Foundation. We expect to include brief biographical notes, when known, concerning each.
Purchased from Cadillac Coins, November 21, 1969.
Diverse Selection of $5 Gold
856 Offering of one dozen half eagles, all different and including some Mint State pieces: I 1836 Breen-6509. I 1843 Small, thin stars. AU-50 I 1846 Large date. EF-45 I 1847 AU-58 I 1853 AU-58 I 1861 AU-58 I 1873 Closed 3. AU-58 I 1877-S EF-40 I 1879 MS-60 I 1880 MS-60 I 1880-S MS-62 I 1881 MS-62. Mostly brilliant with nice lustre. (Total: 12 pieces)
857 1836 Breen-6510. AU-55. Attractive light yellow gold with considerable, nearly complete lustre. Highly desirable despite a few very minor rim nicks and other abrasions.
McCloskey-3C. Block 8, single forehead curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Scarce variety.
Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, June 1, 1970.
Desirable 1837 Half Eagle
Scarce Classic Head Date
858 1837 Large Date. Breen-6511. AU-58. Sharply struck with frosty bright yellow gold lustre. A desirable example with very choice surfaces for the grade. This 1837 half eagle is scarcer than any other date of the 1834-1838 Classic Head design.
McCloskey-1A. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Scarce variety. Perfect dies.
From Lester Merkin’s sale of February 1972, Lot 426.
859 1837 Large Date. Breen-6511. AU-55. Deep yellow gold lustre with very pleasing surfaces.
McCloskey-1A. Block 8, double forehead curl. With berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over center of 5. Scarce variety. Perfect dies.
From Rarcoa’s 1970 ANA Sale, Lot
1526.
