The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection - Part II

Finest Graded by PCGS

Believed Finest Known of Date


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986     1848 Repunched 1 in Date. Not in Breen. MS-64 (PCGS). Highly lustrous honey gold with fairly frosted devices and mildly reflective fields. Some faint marks are evident under low magnification, but the overall quality and appeal are both outstanding to the unaided eye. A superb example of a date whose true rarity is greatly underappreciated. Here is a date that is practically unknown in Mint State despite its liberal mintage figure of 260,775 pieces. It could be many years before a comparable specimen crosses the auction block, or the present piece reappears. After all, it has been off the market for 32 years!

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

The serif of a previously punched 1 sticks out from the upright of the existing 1 in the date, at a point about one-third up the upright of that numeral. In addition, some roughness in the die is noted as a raised plateau (in a minuscule sort of way, of course) in and around the other date numerals. What may be the remains of an 8 can be just seen in the loops of the first 8 in the date as well. If such is the case, then the raised plateau effect was probably the result of a depression around the date, caused when most of the remnants from the first date were polished from the die.

Purchased from N.K.S., April 28, 1967.

Elusive 1848 Half Eagle

987     1848 MS-60. Lustrous yellow gold with some prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Rare in any and all levels of Mint State.

An obverse die crack begins at the rim near the 10th star, passing through the field to the upper portion of Liberty’s bun. From there, the crack runs vertically through her tresses and the beads in her hair. The crack then runs across the field, the curls at the back of her neck, and then her shoulder, passing to the right of much of the second 8 in the date before turning and crossing the bottom of that numeral. The crack terminates in the dentils below the second 8.

From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 173.

988     1848 Net AU-58; sharpness of MS-62 or so, but lightly brushed, and with possible faint graffiti in the reverse field above the eagle. A nice coin that should be seen before bidding judgement is passed.

This particular specimen was struck from a shattered obverse die. There is a network of fine die cracks among the obverse stars, particularly those above and behind Liberty’s portrait, where small cracks connect some stars and also jut to her coronet and to the rim in places. Two prominent vertical cracks are also noted. The first of these begins at the dentils opposite the innermost point of the sixth star, crossing the field and touching the point of the star before dropping vertically across the field–faintly at first, then stronger as it crosses Liberty’s nose, mouth, and chin. From there the crack runs to a point in the field opposite the point of Miss Liberty’s bust. The second crack begins in the hair, near the coronet and just below the Y of LIBERTY. From there it moves across the field, across the curl at the back of Liberty’s neck, then across the shoulder to the right side of the second 8 in the date, and from there to the dentils below. Also of note is a die crack that connects the bottoms of the date numerals.

Purchased from N.K.S., August 5, 1968.

989     1848 AU-58. Highly lustrous and sharply struck. Choice for the grade.

A prominent obverse die crack begins below the 1 in the date and runs below the first 8. From there it connects the bottoms of the 4 and the following 8, before running horizontally through the dentils to the rim. In addition, some faint cracks can be seen joining several obverse stars.

Amazing 1848-C $5 Rarity

Finest Certified by PCGS

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990     1848-C MS-64 (PCGS). A brilliant specimen with mildly prooflike fields and frosty devices. Well struck for the date, with virtually all design details bold. A decidedly rare issue in AU, and incredibly rare in Mint State. Among Mint State coins, the present piece is above the crowd–one of its kind with regard to pieces evaluated by the highly respected PCGS group. Another find, another landmark for the Charlotte specialist.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Three pairs of dies were sent to Charlotte from Philadelphia this year, but we have not encountered any particular accounting as to minute variations known to exist today.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, March 13, 1972.

Scarce 1848-C Half Eagle

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991     1848-C AU-50. Deep yellow gold with a decidedly olive overtone. A few scattered marks are seen, but none of major consequence. Only four to 12 coins are known at this grade level according to Douglas Winter. Another important opportunity.

From Stack’s sale of February 1968, Lot 305.

Important 1848-D Half Eagle

The Finest of Eight Offered

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992     1848-D AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with plenty of brightness in the recessed areas. Devoid of all but a few trivial marks, those chiefly visible under low magnification. Struck from clashed dies. A very rare date in AU or finer despite a mintage of 47,465 pieces. Typically found only Fine to VF or so (with EF coins fairly rare in their own right). Regarding this date, David Akers wrote: "Above EF it must be considered a major rarity."

PCGS Population: 2; 4 finer (MS-62 finest).

From Paramount’s sale of March 1973, Lot 1077.

Lustrous 1848-D $5

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993     1848-D AU-55 (PCGS). Brilliant yellow gold with orange-gold on the high points. Plenty of prooflike reflectivity in the recessed areas. A scattering of tiny marks can be seen under low magnification.

Purchased from Douglas Weaver, August 20, 1973.

Impressive 1848-D Half Eagle

A Condition Rarity

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994     1848-D AU-53 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold with some prooflike reflectivity in the fields. A few light marks are noted, and a faint reverse scratch connects the R of AMERICA to the eagle’s wing area opposite that letter. Nicely struck. A nice opportunity for the Dahlonega Mint specialist.

On the reverse, a faint die crack unites TATES OF, then crosses the field and eagle’s wing tip, then through the field again, finally uniting the bases of AMERICA.

From Superior’s sale of March 1973, Lot 408.

Underrated 1848-D Half Eagle

Unusual Die State

995     1848-D AU-50. Bright yellow gold with a hint of olive toning. Lustrous for the grade. Struck from a clashed obverse die, with tantalizingly familiar yet somehow wrong clash marks behind and on Liberty’s portrait (see note below).

Reverse die aligned about 225°.

Note from Frank Van Valen:

The obverse of this specimen shows strong clash marks in the field behind Miss Liberty’s head, as well as in front of her throat, and in among the letters of LIBERTY on her tiara and at her eye. Careful examination reveals that what appears to be the clashed image of the eagle from the reverse die is actually something seemingly familiar, yet not exactly the image of the eagle from the reverse die. Perhaps a die from another denomination was accidentally dropped on the obverse die of this half eagle, before it was shipped from Philadelphia to Dahlonega. The heaviest of the clash marks appears behind Liberty’s head, resembles the crook of an eagle’s wing more than anything else; the marks do not, however, match perfectly with the reverse design elements. Here then is an intriguing numismatic puzzle that deserves more attention.

The reverse of this specimen shows some clash marks transferred from the obverse, and also displays some interesting die cracks. Among these, a faint crack unites the tops of UNITED, while another faint crack unites TATES OF, passing across the tip of the eagle’s wing as it does so, then connecting AMERICA and the D of the denomination. Another crack runs from the underside of the eagle’s wing to the M of AMERICA. Another descends from the rim between the E and R of that word, ending at the base of the E.

Purchased from Jack L. Klausen, June 19, 1968.

Another Nice 1848-D $5

996     1848-D AU-50. Lustrous with rich orange iridescence in the recessed areas. A scattering of tiny marks is seen on both sides, although no individual mark stands out on its own. Rare.

A fairly heavy reverse die crack runs across the eagle’s left (viewer’s right) wing, into the field where it nearly brushes the top arrowhead before turning horizontally and terminating between the E and R of AMERICA.

From Stack’s sale of October 1970, Lot 175.

Duplicate 1848-D Half Eagle

Obverse Clash Marks

997     1848-D AU-50. Lustrous yellow gold with a definitive olive glow. A second example with severe obverse clash marks (see note at Lot 995). Rare so fine.

Purchased from J. Flickenger, August 1, 1972.

Yet Another 1848-D $5

998     1848-D AU-50. Bright yellow gold with plenty of lustre present. Struck from clashed obverse die (as noted under two other lots).

Not only does the obverse show the anomalous clash marks mentioned under Lot 995 above, but a small die crack connects the back tip of Liberty’s bust to the rim. On the reverse, a diagonal crack runs from the rim through the A of STATES, across the field and the eagle’s head, and then the wing and the tips of the two uppermost arrowheads. The crack then passes through the R in AMERICA to the rim. Another crack joins the bottoms of ICS in AMERICA, the dot that follows, and the IVE and D, as well as the period that follows the denomination.

From Stack’s sale of February 1974, Lot 640.

999     1848-D EF-45. A touch of lustre on orange-gold surfaces.

Obverse with faint crack from back of bust to rim, reverse with diagonal crack from rim at 11:00 to 5:00; both of these die states are described at other lots containing 1848-D half eagles.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 2061.

1000     1848-D EF-45. Warm gold with a touch of olive.

Many years ago our fine friend Otto Carlsen enjoyed buying up quantities, including duplicates, of rare types of piano rolls used on coin-operated instruments. When others called upon him and reviewed his large holdings with envy, he mischievously winked and said, "This keeps the hoarders from getting them." Otto was a generous person, and would always sell or trade a duplicate to someone who was interested–if this person passed the test of being truly interested.

In his time, Harry W. Bass, Jr., acquired duplicates, triplicates, and even larger numbers of coins not particularly as a hoarder, but because he felt that by doing this he could study them at leisure and observe their die characteristics, and, further, that such pieces represented an excellent store of value for his money. Ultimately, he was rewarded on both counts.

Purchased from N.K.S., December 18, 1970.

Lustrous Mint State 1849 $5

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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1001     1849 MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous with orange-gold toning on satiny surfaces. Some reverse striking weakness is noted. A fairly rare date in Mint State despite a generous mintage of 133,070 piece. This date is typically seen VF or EF. The present coin is exceeded in quality by no other 1849 half eagle that we have ever seen.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Some faint obverse cracks unite the first three stars.

1002     1849 Breen-6582. Repunched 49. AU-58. Lustrous golden surfaces with orange iridescence in the protected areas. Attractive for the grade, and quite rare at the AU level.

The 4 and 9 in the date are broadly repunched to the north on this variety.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 15, 1971.

Unimprovable 1849-C $5 Rarity

Tied for Finest Certified by PCGS


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1003     1849-C MS-64 (PCGS). Bright and lustrous, with warm orange-gold toning on satiny surfaces. The fields are lightly prooflike and the overall appeal is substantial. Although 64,823 were minted, only a few have survived in Mint State, of which none seems to be finer than the Bass Collection specimen. The Charlotte Mint enthusiast will bid liberally, knowing that this opportunity may not recur for a long time, if ever.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Three pairs of dies were sent to Charlotte from Philadelphia this year.

From Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, December 1978, Lot 171; ex B. Max Mehl’s sale of the Atwater Collection, June 11, 1946, Lot 1763.

Another Mint State 1849-C $5

Impressive Quality


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1004     1849-C MS-62 (PCGS). Highly lustrous yellow gold surfaces are somewhat prooflike. Seldom does even one Mint State specimen cross the block. The appearance of two pieces, this and the preceding lot, is of great importance and is likely to occur nowhere else except in the Bass Collection.

PCGS Population: 1; 3 finer (MS-64 finest).

A reverse die crack extends from the rim, just grazes the left serif of the U in UNITED, then reaches to the olive leaves below.

From Harmer-Rooke’s sale of December 1970, Lot 3179.

1005     1849-C Net EF-40; sharpness of AU-50 or finer, but obverse lightly brushed, and reverse polished to remove faint graffiti above the eagle. Lustrous golden orange.

From Paramount’s sale of March 1973, Lot 1078.

Elusive 1849-D Half Eagle

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1006     1849-D AU-55 (PCGS). Yellow gold with a hint of olive. Generous amounts of lustre play in the recessed areas. A rare date, particularly above EF, and typically found lower than that grade.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 880.

Another 1849-D Half Eagle

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1007     1849-D AU-55 (PCGS). A bright and lustrous half eagle from Dahlonega. Another attractive specimen.

A faint reverse crack is noted at the tops of FIVE D.

From Quality Sales Corporation’s auction of January 1975, Lot 446.

A Third 1849-D $5

The Eliasberg Specimen

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1008     1849-D AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous golden orange surfaces. Another lovely coin, one of the three finest obtained by Harry W. Bass, Jr., over a long period of years.

A fairly heavy reverse die crack runs from the dentils just beyond OF, across the eagle’s wing tip, then to the bases of AMERI, where it becomes faint, progressing along the bottoms of CA and then the tops of E and D in the denomination.

From our sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, October 1982, Lot 453.

A Final 1849-D Half Eagle

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1009     1849-D AU-53 (PCGS). Bright golden lustre on orange-gold surfaces. A final 1849-D half eagle in a lineup of this date that must be seen to be believed. Normally, even a single specimen at the AU level would be a beacon if offered at auction.

On the reverse, a crack runs from the rim above I in AMERICA, then down that letter, where it splits into two cracks that cross the arrow heads, reforming as a single crack, then crossing the eagle’s leg, the shield tip, and then the other leg. From there, the crack crosses the field and the olive branch, then runs between the I and T of UNITED to the rim. A finer crack unites the tops of E and D in the denomination with the bottom of the final A in AMERICA.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2062.

Uncirculated 1850 Half Eagle

Rare and Underrated

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1010     1850 MS-61 (PCGS). A high degree of lustre and brilliance grace the prooflike surfaces and lightly frosted devices of this attractive rarity. Choice for the grade. Although 64,491 pieces were struck, and although the issue is generally regarded as a common date, David Akers suggests that the status is "grossly misleading." A review of the literature will dramatically demonstrate that in grades such as AU and Mint State the 1851 is a formidable rarity.

PCGS Population: 3; 2 finer (MS-62 finest).

Purchased from J.E. Ryan, August 29, 1973.

1011     1850 AU-55. Lustrous yellow gold with a hint of olive. A few light obverse rim marks are noted for accuracy.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 412.

1012     1850 AU-50. Highly lustrous with rich orange toning on satiny golden surfaces.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1919.

Mint State 1850-C Half Eagle

Among Finest Certified


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1013     1850-C Strong C Mintmark. MS-62 (PCGS). A lustrous medium gold specimen with prooflike fields and strong overall appeal for the assigned grade. Nicely struck, with splashes of attractive orange toning in the recessed areas.

The 1850-C has been regarded as a major rarity in Mint State, this despite its fairly generous mintage of 63,591 pieces. Most extant examples grade VF or EF, occasionally AU, but only rarely Mint State. The present coin is exceedingly impressive and comes with a nice pedigree.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-63).

From Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, December 1978, Lot 172. Previously from B. Max Mehl’s sale of the Atwater Collection June 11, 1946, Lot 1764.

Mint State 1850-C Half Eagle

Amazing Duplicate MS-62!


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1014     1850-C Strong C Mintmark. MS-62 (PCGS). A lustrous golden orange specimen with modest prooflike reflectivity in the fields. Nicely struck from lightly clashed dies. Choice for the grade. An amazing duplicate–having even a single MS-62 1850-C in a sale would be a remarkable event, and here we have the second example.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 250.

Lovely 1850-C $5 Rarity

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1015     1850-C Strong C Mintmark. AU-58 (PCGS). Bright and lustrous yellow gold with a decided olive sheen on both sides. A very choice example at a high grade level seldom seen in numismatics.

PCGS Population: 8; 3 finer (MS-63 finest).

Interestingly enough, the reverse of this specimen is cracked in the identical manner as that described at Lot 1004, the MS-62 (PCGS) 1849-C half eagle. Evidently, this reverse saw use in at least two years.

Purchased from Dan Brown, October 19, 1967.

Another Pleasing 1850-C $5

1016     1850-C Strong C Mintmark. AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold. Some minuscule porosity suggests seawater surfaces. Still attractive overall. Another remarkably high grade example of an issue which is normally seen in VF or EF.

Reverse die crack present as on the earlier described lots 1004 and 1015.

From Abe Kosoff’s C.S.N.A. sale, October 1968, Lot 863.

Lovely 1850-D Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1017     1850-D Strong D Mintmark. AU-58 (PCGS). A high degree of lustre radiates on lustrous honey gold surfaces. Rich orange highlights reside in the recessed areas. Nicely struck in most areas, but with some lightness on the eagle as characteristic of authentic specimens.

The 1850-D registered a production of 43,950 pieces. Of those that remain, nearly all are in VF or EF grade. Anything higher is extremely rare. A major opportunity for the connoisseur and specialist.

PCGS Population: 3; 2 finer (MS-61 finest).

Purchased from N.K.S., July 26, 1967.

Lustrous 1850-D Half Eagle

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1018     1850-D Breen-6588. Weak D Mintmark. AU-55. Highly lustrous yellow gold. A very pleasing specimen of the second popularly collected variety of the 1850-D.

A curved reverse die break unites the bottoms of the letters of the denomination with the tops of UNITED and STATES.

From Abe Kosoff’s C.S.N.A. sale, October 1968, Lot 864.

1019     1850-D Net VF-35; sharpness of EF or finer, but several edge marks are seen; perhaps mounted at one time. A touch of lustre on medium gold surfaces.

Purchased from N.K.S., October 6, 1967.

Mint State 1851 $5

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1020     1851 MS-60. Satiny golden surfaces show rich rose iridescence. Nicely struck in most areas. First 1 in date connected to Liberty’s bust by a die chip. Much scarcer in Mint State than its mintage of 377,505 pieces indicates. Choice for the assigned grade.

The first 1 of the date is joined to the bust of Liberty above by a sizeable die chip. Further, a series of faint die cracks connects many of the obverse stars, with additional cracks that connect some stars to the rim.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 1983.

1021     1851 AU-58 (PCGS). A frosty, satiny specimen with warm olive and orange-gold iridescence on both sides. An appealing coin with plenty of lustre and eye appeal for the grade. Nicely struck.

A small oval die lump is found in a centered position near the edge of Miss Liberty’s truncation.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 12, 1969.

1022     1851 AU-58 (PCGS). A lustrous golden example of the date. Nicely struck and quite appealing overall.

This specimen also shows a die lump at the edge of Miss Liberty’s truncation. A die chip has fallen from the area above the first 1 of the date as well, uniting Liberty’s bust with that numeral. A faint die crack juts horizontally from the rim near the first 1 of the date, then connects the bases of the 1, 8, and 5 of the date; another faint crack reaches from the first star toward the first 1. Additionally, a spidery network of faint die cracks unites the first six obverse stars, with other cracks that connect some stars to the rim.

Purchased from J.E. Ryan, August 29, 1973.

Pleasing 1851-C $5

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1023     1851-C Normal Earlobe. AU-55 (PCGS). A golden orange specimen with much lustre in protected areas. Nicely struck on the obverse, but with some weakness at the center of the reverse, this being standard for authentic specimens.

The 1850-C is usually encountered in Fine to Very Fine grade, occasionally Extremely Fine, but only rarely AU. Lending interest to the specialist is the status of this as being the "Normal Earlobe" variety, without a hole or punch mark as is seen on most other 1851-C half eagles. Douglas Winter noted: "A few coins are known without the punchmark; these are quite rare." All characteristics combined, the present 1851-C is of great importance.

Three new obverse dies were sent to and received at Charlotte this year. The supply of reverse dies was adequate from previous shipments, and no new dies were shipped.

The obverse of this rare variety has no hole or punchmark in Liberty’s ear. Additionally, the first 1 of the date touches the truncation above, while the second 1 grazes the truncation.

The C mintmark is low to the left and directly over the first upright of the V in FIVE, a position that differs drastically from that of the typically seen hole-in-ear variety.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA sale, August 1968, Lot 967.

Elusive 1851-C Half Eagle

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1024     1851-C AU-53 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold with plenty of lustre in the recessed areas. Nicely struck for the date; this one typically comes much weaker on the reverse.

A curious hole in Miss Liberty’s ear lobe, the usual die used for this date and mintmark.

This date is nearly always found with a small hole (or punchmark) in Liberty’s earlobe. The specimen offered here has the first 1 of the date nearly touching the truncation above, while the second 1 of the date is a millimeter or more from the truncation. The C mintmark is high and above the E of FIVE.

Purchased from Jack L. Klausen, June 19, 1968.

Delightful 1851-D Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1025     1851-D Breen-6593. Mintmark Far to Right. AU-58 (PCGS). Bright orange-gold with prooflike surfaces. Some striking weakness on both sides, not unusual for the date. A few light marks are noted as well, but the overall appeal is still quite strong. Fine to EF is typical of this issue, with choice AU or finer specimens being quite rare.

PCGS Population: 3; 4 finer (MS-63 finest).

On the obverse, the first 1 in the date is nearly entirely left of the point of Liberty’s bust. The photo in the Akers reference shows an example of the date with that numeral nearly entirely under the point of Liberty’s bust.

On the reverse, the mintmark is placed far to the right, above the E of FIVE and the space before the D; the mintmark touches the olive stem. Also, a small crack extends from the point of the stem, running through the field, where it grazes the side of the pellet after AMERICA before joining the rim.

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1976, Lot 2972.

Lustrous 1851-D Half Eagle

Repunched 1 in Date

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1026     1851-D Breen-6595. First 1 in Date Repunched. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold. Finer than the typically seen specimen, and rare and desirable as such.

The variety with the first 1 in the date repunched (and embedded in the dentils below, a fact not noted in Breen’s Encyclopedia).

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2064.

Attractive 1851-D $5

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1027     1851-D Breen-6595. First 1 in Date Repunched. AU-50. Lustrous yellow gold with some olive iridescence on somewhat reflective fields. Nicely struck on both sides. A second example of the variety with repunched and embedded 1 in date.

Purchased from Paramount, March 30, 1967.

Another 1851-D $5

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1028     1851-D Weak Mintmark. EF-45. Lustrous medium gold with some deeper orange highlights in the recessed areas. Nicely struck for the date. The mintmark is placed high in the crotch of the branch and arrow, and barely evident save for a faint vestige of the top of the D, creating a very curious variety that specialists have long sought–occasionally having the luck to acquire one as a Philadelphia Mint coin if the vestige is particularly elusive where the seller is not knowledgeable!

On the obverse, the first 1 is repunched and embedded in the dentils below. On the reverse, a heavy circular crack runs through FIVE D and UNITED STATES.

From Superior’s sale of December 1972, Lot 1951.

Prized 1851-O Half Eagle Rarity

A Mint State Treasure

"Rare and Very Underrated"

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1029     1851-O First 1 in Date Repunched. MS-62 (PCGS). Satiny golden surfaces show strong lustre and great overall appeal. Nicely struck for the date, above average, but in keeping with authentic pieces, not fully sharp.

The 1851-O is the first half eagle coinage from the New Orleans Mint since 1847. Standing alone, it became the last issue until 1854. In his text Douglas Winter called this issue: "Rare and very underrated in all grades."

The presently offered Mint State specimen is a true treasure.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (MS-63).

The top of an erroneously punched 1 can be seen in the field directly over the first 1 of the date; only the crown of the first numeral remains, with the other details no doubt effaced from the die before use. Although this variety is not noted in Breen’s landmark Encyclopedia, Harry W. Bass’ notes stated: "Another 1 under bust." The O mintmark is low and centered above the V and E in FIVE.

Another Notable 1851-O $5

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1030     1851-O First 1 in Date Repunched. Broadly Repunched Mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). Bright and lustrous yellow gold with grand eye appeal. A pleasing AU specimen of this popular and rare New Orleans issue. A final example of this elusive variety.

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (MS-63 finest).

The first 1 in the date is repunched at the top. The O mintmark is broadly repunched and is located high and centered over the V in FIVE.

Purchased from Dan Brown, October 19, 1967.

1031     1851-O EF-45 (PCGS). Pleasing for the grade, with warm orange-gold highlights on both sides.

First 1 in date repunched at top. Mintmark centered above V and E in FIVE.

Choice Mint State 1852 $5

Tied for Finest by PCGS


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1032     1852 Light Numerals, Open 5. MS-64 (PCGS). A satiny and lustrous golden orange specimen with some rose iridescence present. Sharply struck. Very rare at the MS-64 level, as the PCGS numbers indicate. Not rare, but definitely scarce in choice Uncirculated.

PCGS Population: 5; none finer.

The obverse numerals were impressed lightly in the die, and the 5 of the date is open between the ball and cusp of the numeral. A die crack unites the first four stars.

From Rarcoa’s ANA sale, August 1970, Lot 1545.

Uncirculated 1852 $5

A Second Specimen

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1033     1852 Heavy Numerals, Closed 5. MS-62 (PCGS). Satiny golden orange surfaces display rich rose iridescence. Nicely struck in all areas.

The numerals on this die were punched into the die heavily, and the ball and cusp of the 5 in the date touch.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 424.

Lustrous Uncirculated 1852-C $5

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1034     1852-C Numeral 1 in Date Touches Bust. MS-60. Bright yellow gold. A lovely coin for the grade. Moderately reflective fields and frosted devices make for a pleasing cameo contrast. Nicely struck for the date, with just some faint hairlines and a few light ticks the only detriments present. This would make an impressive addition to any cabinet of Charlotte Mint delicacies. The finest specimen obtained by Harry W. Bass, Jr. A powerful statement in itself.

Three pairs of dies were sent from Philadelphia to Charlotte this year.

From Paramount’s sale of February 1973, Lot 1079.

Popular 1852-C Half Eagle

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1035     1852-C AU-50. Bright yellow gold surfaces show plenty of lustre. Some vertical obverse scrapes show mainly under low magnification. One of the more readily available issues from Charlotte, but still far from plentiful. As such, this would make an excellent candidate in a general type set of half eagles.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, August 4, 1967.

Uncirculated 1852-D $5

Condition Census

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1036     1852-D MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous deep gold surfaces with lighter brilliance on the high points. Modest prooflike reflectivity on both sides. A few tiny ticks are present. Although the 1852-D is one of the more readily available half eagles from Dahlonega, reflective of a mintage of 91,452 pieces, at this high grade the issue is very rare. Indeed, the present piece is Condition Census.

PCGS Population: 2; 5 finer (MS-63 finest).

From Stack’s ANA sale of August 1976, Lot 2974.

Lustrous 1852-D Half Eagle

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1037     1852-D AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold surfaces. Another specimen of this popular Dahlonega issue.

Purchased from Jack L. Klausen, November 1, 1968.

1038     1852-D EF-45. Deep iridescent orange on lustrous golden surfaces. An obverse rim mark is seen at 3:00, otherwise the surfaces are fairly free of any serious marks.

Uncirculated 1853 Half Eagle

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1039     1853 Date Under Bust. MS-62 (PCGS). A lustrous golden specimen with a touch of rose iridescence. Nicely struck. Just a few tiny marks from a higher grade, and quite attractive overall. "Very rare in strictly Uncirculated condition," wrote David Akers regarding this date.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 1985.

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1040     1853 MS-60. Satiny golden surfaces show a high degree of lustre. Nicely struck. A few random marks present, but still a pleasing representative of the date and grade.

A dash is seen below the E of LIBERTY on Miss Liberty’s coronet, and a small dash, perhaps the remnants of an errant 1, is noted in the field between the 1 and 8 in the date.

Purchased from Ed Messer, August 14, 1971.

Incredible 1853-C Half Eagle

Finest Graded by PCGS


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1041     1853-C MS-64 (PCGS). Frosty orange-gold devices contrast nicely with moderately reflective fields. A touch of olive glows warmly on both sides. Although 65,571 examples were struck, the issue is generally available only in VF to EF grades, with AU pieces being rare and Mint State coins exceptionally so. The present piece, the finest Harry Bass was able to locate in 30 years of collecting, and also the finest graded by PCGS, is a Charlotte Mint landmark!

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the Bareford Collection, December 1978, Lot 173; previously from the Bell Collection, March 1948, Lot 438; still earlier from the Memorable Collection, March 1, 1948 Lot 438.

Elusive 1853-C Half Eagle

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1042     1853-C AU-50. Medium yellow gold with a warm olive glow overall. A few trivial marks are present. Lightly struck at the reverse center, not an unusual occurrence for the date.

From Stack’s sale of February 1968, Lot 321.

1043     1853-C EF-45. Medium golden surfaces lightly brushed long ago. A natural planchet lamination, as struck, is noted at 11:00 on the obverse rim. Lightly struck at the reverse center, typical of authentic specimens of this variety.

A heavy reverse die crack underlining VE and D in the denomination is quite unusual when examined under magnification. The crack is caused by a chunk of the die that is about to fall completely away from the rest of the die. It has already succeeded in falling partly away, leaving a second base to the E above, and a second row of dentils a millimeter or so below the existing dentils. It would be extremely interesting to find an 1853-C half eagle that was struck from the terminal state of the die, after the chunk falls from the rest of the die.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2041.

Mint State 1853-D Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1044     1853-D MS-62 (PCGS). A lustrous specimen with satiny surfaces that offer a faint cameo contrast. Definitely above average for the grade. One of the few Dahlonega Mint half eagle issues that can be found in Mint State with any regularity, but nearly all pieces are in a grade below the present specimen. A very nice coin. Still a difficult issue to find Uncirculated.

PCGS Population: 9; 1 finer (MS-63).

Another 1853-D Half Eagle

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1045     1853-D AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold surfaces with deeper orange-gold in the protected areas. An exceptionally pleasing coin for the grade.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA sale, August 1968, Lot 971.

Another Nice 1853-D $5

1046     1853-D AU-55 (PCGS). Medium gold with strong lustre and a decent strike as well. Pale pink iridescence present in the recessed areas. A fine coin for the assigned grade.

A reverse die crack runs rim to rim beginning at 4:00, passing through the upright of the R in AMERICA, the uppermost arrow head, and the eagle’s leg, slowly curving down from there to the arrow feather and the leg just above the eagle’s right talons, then through the olive branch and the left upright of the U in UNITED, and from there to the rim at 7:00.

Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, March 30, 1973.

Lustrous 1853-D $5

1047     1853-D AU-55. Strong lustre remains on yellow gold surfaces. A few stray marks are present but, all in all, another pleasing example of a popular date.

Purchased from Paramount, February 15, 1968.

A Final 1853-D Half Eagle

1048     1853-D AU-50. Lustrous yellow gold surfaces free of all but the most trivial marks.

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1971, Lot 2189.

Mint State 1854 Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1049     1854 MS-62 (PCGS). Brilliant with intense cartwheel lustre on satiny honey gold surfaces. Nicely struck in almost all areas. Choice for the grade. Much rarer in AU or finer than its somewhat sizeable mintage of 160,675 pieces indicates. Such pieces were made strictly for utilitarian purposes, with no numismatic thoughts in mind, thus, within a few years nearly all examples were worn.

PCGS Population: 9; 4 finer (MS-64 finest).

From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 191.

1050     1854 AU-58. Lustrous honey gold surfaces.

From Stack’s sale of the Shapero Collection, October 1971, Lot 1003.

Impressive 1854-C $5 Rarity

High Condition Census

A Landmark Coin


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1051     1854-C Breen-6607. Weak C Mintmark. MS-62 (PCGS). A lustrous orange-gold specimen with satiny devices and modestly reflective fields. Seldom available above VF, this outstanding specimen is a pleasing exception to that rule. Douglas Winter gave this date a Rarity-8 rating in all levels of Mint State, suggesting that just two or three are known. Winter knew of the Bass Collection specimen and called it: "The only unequivocally Uncirculated example of this date." This echoes a comment by David Akers who wrote, "The only one I have seen with legitimate claims to Mint State was the Robison specimen." Whether the "other" Mint State pieces in the numbers game represent more than one or two pieces is not known. In any event, the present coin is high Condition Census, and, who knows, perhaps it is the very finest. The specialist will delight in the opportunity.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (MS-63).

In his Charlotte Mint Gold Coins: 1838-1861, author Douglas Winter notes two mintmark varieties for this date. The first, as offered here, has a faint mintmark (sometimes so faint that a given specimen may be mistaken for a Philadelphia Mint specimen) that is centered over the E of FIVE; this is the scarcer of the two varieties. The second (and slightly more available) variety has a fairly sharp C mintmark that is positioned above the IV of FIVE.

For comparison purposes, PCGS also certifies examples of this date as the Strong Mintmark variety. When the populations of both varieties are combined, the PCGS Population for this specimen then becomes: 3; 1 finer (MS-63). Even with both varieties considered, this lovely example is still one of the finest certified of the date.

From Stack’s sale of the Robison Collection, February 1979, Lot 433.

Elusive 1854-C Half Eagle

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1052     1854-C Breen-6607. Weak C Mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with a hint of olive toning. Winter gives the date a Rarity-5 rating overall, with a Rarity-7 rating in strict AU. A splendid opportunity awaits.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-63).

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 431.

Another Pleasing 1854-C $5

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1053     1854-C Strong C Mintmark. AU-53 (PCGS). Medium gold with orange-gold iridescence in the protected areas.

Variety with strong C mintmark centered above the I and V of FIVE. A reverse die crack runs from the rim through the C of AMERICA, and from there to the lowest arrow head.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2042.

Choice Mint State 1854-D $5

Condition Census


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1054     1854-D Breen-6608. Strong D Mintmark. MS-63 (PCGS). Lustrous and satiny medium gold surfaces. Sharply struck at the centers, less so at the rims. A readily available date in lower grades, but a major rarity in Mint State. A thoroughly delightful coin, a thoroughly marvelous opportunity! Every once in a while a reality check is needed in the present catalogue–to appreciate that a number of varieties offered here in duplicate and triplicates are major rarities even as a single coin. No doubt the present offering will serve as a foundation for several important specialized collections that will gain fame in the years to come. The specialist will appreciate that the catalogue offers coins of a quality seldom available, sometimes not available for a period of decades or more. Anyone with a general interest in American gold coins will enjoy the opportunity to make a serious beginning in the popular Charlotte Mint and Dahlonega Mint series, as well as acquire examples of just about any other desired date and mintmark within the denomination. In the coming millennium numismatists will be very proud of the pieces that bear the "From the Bass Collection" pedigree.

PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (MS-65).

Purchased from Joe Flynn, March 17, 1978.

Another 1854-D Half Eagle

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1055     1854-D Breen-6608. Strong D Mintmark. AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold surfaces. Another very pleasing example of this issue.

From Paramount’s sale of March 1973, Lot 1083.

Lustrous 1854-D Half Eagle

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1056     1854-D Breen-6608. Strong D Mintmark. AU-58 (PCGS). Warm honey gold with strong lustre, especially so in the protected design areas.

Strong mintmark variety, D centered over E of FIVE.

Attractive 1854-D $5

1057     1854-D Breen-6608. Strong D Mintmark. AU-50. Deep golden surfaces with strong lustre present in the protected areas. A nice coin for the grade.

A fine obverse die break connects the final two stars to the 4 in the date.

Purchased from Michael G. Brownlee, April 1967.

Delightful 1854-D Half Eagle

1058     1854-D Breen-6608. Strong D Mintmark. AU-50. Medium orange-gold with delightful rose iridescence on both sides. A shallow reverse scratch runs from the eagle’s wing to the two uppermost arrow heads, and from there to the R of AMERICA.

Forming a complete collection of Dahlonega Mint half eagles is a very realistic expectation. In grades such as VF and EF there are no "impossible" rarities, although each variety can be called scarce. At the AU level, such as offered here, most pieces are rare, and some are especially so.

Of all of the American mints active in the 19th century, fewer pieces were struck at Dahlonega than any other. Moreover, the dies often have interesting characteristics, evidences of wear, and other idiosyncrasies. Often the experienced numismatist can look at a $5 coin from the 1850s, studying the obverse only, and not being aware if there is a mintmark on the reverse, and determine that it is a Dahlonega coin simply because of its striking peculiarities.

As a holder of the present Bass Collection catalogue, if you are not a specialist in the Dahlonega series, you may wish to consult with A Guide Book of United States Coins and the Breen Encyclopedia to get a feeling for the overall series, mintages, and value levels, then use the present auction as a springboard to building a truly memorable cabinet.

Beyond the information offered in the present sale, we would be pleased to refer you to published references and other information concerning the Dahlonega Mint, as well as answer any questions you may have concerning technicalities.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, August 8, 1971.

Another Nice 1854-D $5

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1059     1854-D Breen-6610. Weak D Mintmark. AU-58 (PCGS). Satiny honey gold surfaces display a high degree of lustre. Nicely struck for the date. Some light hairlines are seen in places.

The variety with a weak D mintmark centered above the I and V of FIVE.

From Paramount’s sale of February 1973, Lot 1084.

Another Lustrous 1854-D $5

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1060     1854-D Breen-6610. Weak D Mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous. Deep honey gold with warm orange-gold at the rims. Faintly granular, reminiscent of seawater surfaces. An attractive specimen of the date and grade.

The variety with a weak D mintmark centered above the I and V of FIVE.

Amazing 1854-O Half Eagle

Finest Graded by PCGS

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1061     1854-O MS-63 (PCGS). A lustrous, glistening beauty with olive highlights on satiny yellow gold surfaces. An incredible, almost unbelievable rarity in Mint State. Most likely, this coin, off the market for more than 30 years, is the finest known anywhere. Whatever the price paid, the next owner will have one of the greatest treasures in the numismatic corpus of existing New Orleans half eagles.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1935.

Lustrous 1854-O Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1062     1854-O AU-58 (PCGS). Warm honey gold with lively lustre present. A very choice example at the AU-58 level, and, as is seen, Condition Census thus.

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (MS-61 finest).

Another Nice 1854-O $5

1063     1854-O AU-55. Medium gold with generous amounts of lustre and deeper golden toning highlights. Some faint hairlines show on the reverse, but the overall appeal is still quite high. Another memorable 1854-O half eagle, one that is probably among the top two dozen known pieces from the standpoint of grade.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of June 1972, Lot 445.

1064     1854-O AU-50. Pleasing orange lustre on honey gold surfaces. Free of appreciable marks, and choice for the grade as such. Another important opportunity.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, June 25, 1968.

1065     1854-O AU-50. Plenty of lustre remains on honey gold surfaces. A final opportunity to bid on an 1854-O half eagle at a general grade level seldom seen.

Mint State 1855 Half Eagle

An Underappreciated Date

Condition Census

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1066     1855 Misplaced Date. MS-62 (PCGS). A satiny and lustrous coin with the immediate appeal of a finer grade. An underappreciated date, quite possibly because the mintage figure of 117,098 is large. However, virtually all of the coins saw extensive use in circulation, and today even at the MS-60 level the 1855 is a rarity. The present coin is Condition Census and is extraordinary.

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (MS-64 finest).

On this scarce variety, the top of an errant 1 protrudes from the dentils below the 1 and 8 of the date. In modern nomenclature this is a misplaced date.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, December 13, 1967.

Uncirculated 1855 Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1067     1855 MS-62 (PCGS). Highly lustrous with satiny golden surfaces that display a whisper of olive iridescence. Believe it or not, here is another Condition Census specimen!

PCGS Population: 5; 4 finer (MS-64 finest).

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1976, Lot 2979.

Impressive 1855-C Half Eagle

None Finer Certified by PCGS

The Garrett Collection Specimen

A Landmark in Charlotte Coinage


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1068     1855-C MS-63 (PCGS). A lustrous medium golden specimen with satiny devices and moderately reflective fields. A landmark coin, a great rarity in any degree of Mint State, never mind the MS-63 quality here–which is far and away finer than just about any other example in existence. The Population Report notes a sole competitor, which, for all we know, may not have the aesthetic quality of the present piece. In any event, the Bass Collection coin is incredible.

Add to the foregoing the past citations of this piece in the literature, including David Akers’ comment, "I have seen just two Uncirculated pieces, the finest being the Garrett coin that sold in March 1976." This particular coin–the piece in the present lot–is the plate coin in the Akers book. Douglas Winter suggests that at all mint levels, MS-60 upward, the 1855-C is high Rarity-7 to Rarity-8, indicating that perhaps two to five coins are known.

The present 1855-C is a numismatic study in rarity, quality, pedigree, and desirability!

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Three pairs of dies were sent to Charlotte this year, but it may be that just one pair, or at least possibly just one reverse was used.

From Stack’s Garrett sale, March 1976, Lot 379. Formerly from B. Max Mehl’s sale of the Wilharm Collection, February 1921, Lot 307.

Lustrous 1855-C $5

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1069     1855-C AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold surfaces seem to have light seawater characteristics, possibly indicating that it was recovered from a long forgotten and not presently described shipwreck. How romantic it would be to learn the identity of the vessel and where she went down. Very few examples of the 1855-C exist at the AU-55 level, and thus the present coin, while not the match of the preceding lot, certainly is notable in its own right.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, May 30, 1972.

Another 1855-C Half Eagle

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1070     1855-C AU-53 (PCGS). Warm orange-gold with subdued lustre on both sides. Another high-quality 1855-C, a piece that will fit comfortably in the cabinet of the advanced specialist.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1937.

1071     1855-C EF-45. Honey gold with rich orange toning and some delightful lustre in the protected areas. Some old contact marks are noted on the obverse near Liberty’s chin.

From a late reverse die state; a chunk has fallen from the die at 3:00, leaving a large cud that encompasses the rim in that area, as well as the tops of ME in AMERICA. An impressive die state, indeed.

From N.E.R.C.A.’s sale of the Mocatta Collection, August 1979, Lot 545.

Choice 1855-D Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1072     1855-D AU-58 (PCGS). Highly lustrous. The pale honey gold surfaces are partially reflective in the fields. A prized rarity above EF; the date is typically encountered in VF. At the AU level, the present 1855-D ranks as among the very finest certified pieces. How fortunate we are to have this coin, accompanied by its virtual twin in the following lot. Both are Condition Census.

PCGS Population: 7; 2 finer (MS-63 finest).

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, January 26, 1973.

Another Memorable 1855-D $5

Condition Census

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1073     1855-D AU-58. A lustrous honey gold specimen. Typical central striking weakness on both sides. Seawater surfaces display a few light marks, particularly among the obverse stars behind Liberty’s hair bun.

An obverse die crack runs from the rim at 6:00 directly upward, brushing the side of the first 5 in the date, and then continuing upward on Liberty’s portrait to a point in her hair.

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1976, Lot 2980.

A Final 1855-D $5

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1074     1855-D AU-53 (PCGS). Generous amounts of lustre and pleasing rose iridescence grace the yellow gold surfaces. Another example of this highly prized variety one which when seen is apt to be in VF or EF grade, seldom AU.

From the same obverse die described at Lot 1073.

From Stack’s ANA sale, August 1971, Lot 2191.

Impressive 1855-O Half Eagle

Finest Graded by PCGS

A Landmark Rarity


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1075     1855-O MS-61 (PCGS). Satiny and lustrous medium gold surfaces glow with warm olive highlights. A very nice specimen, memorable in many different characteristics. First, the striking is above average for a New Orleans piece. Second–or perhaps this should be rated first–this is the finest coin graded by PCGS, with not a competitor in sight anywhere. Third, only 11,100 pieces were struck, and surviving examples in any grade are rarities. When seen, the order of the day is typically Fine to Very Fine, punctuated by an occasional EF.

Douglas Winter wrote in his monograph on New Orleans coins: "At the present time, this issue is unique in Mint State." The coin being described was the Bass specimen as offered here, from the Miles Collection earlier.

The reappearance of this landmark New Orleans coin in the numismatic marketplace–after having been hidden in a bank vault for precisely 31 years–is one of the most important opportunities in this sale.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 437. This is the famous Wolfson specimen.

Another Important 1855-O $5

Low-Mintage Rarity

Condition Census

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1076     1855-O AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold and olive highlights on satiny surfaces. In AU-55 grade the present 1855-O is a mini-landmark (compared to the preceding), a piece that is clearly Condition Census, and which ranks as one of the very finest known. In fact, at all AU levels Douglas Winter suggests that the total population is fewer than a dozen.

PCGS Population: 4; 2 finer (MS-61 finest).

There are two reverse varieties known for this date. The variety offered here (the scarcer of the two) has a small hollow area at the top of the second set (from viewer’s left) of vertical stripes in the reverse shield; the other variety has normal stripes. Close examination of this specimen shows that the hollow may simply be the result of die polishing.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1939.

Impressive 1855-S $5

Unique High PCGS Grade


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1077     1855-S MS-62 (PCGS). Blazing lustre on satiny devices and reflective fields. Sharply struck and quite attractive for the grade. A notable rarity from the early years of operations at the San Francisco Mint, and considerably scarcer than its mintage of 61,000 pieces indicates. As with most early Liberty half eagles of the era, the typical grade for this date is VF or EF, with AU and higher coins being considered notable rarities.

In Mint State, the 1855-S has made exceedingly few appearances in numismatics, as evidenced by the fact that PCGS has certified millions of coins since the service was founded in 1986, and this piece is solo in terms of high grade.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, January 7, 1973.

Popular 1855-S Half Eagle

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1078     1855-S AU-53 (PCGS). Bright rose iridescence on lustrous orange-gold surfaces. A fairly scarce date in all grades, one that becomes a desirable rarity in AU or finer. A lovely specimen. Essentially mark-free to the unaided eye, and a pleasing specimen as such.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, November 19, 1970. Formerly in Glendining’s sale of October 1970, Lot 962.

Lustrous 1855-S $5

1079     1855-S AU-50 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with a burst of rose at the centers. Another lovely example of an elusive date.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of September 1967, Lot 434.

A Final 1855-S $5

1080     1855-S AU-50 (PCGS). Medium gold with substantial rose iridescence and moderately strong lustre.

Purchased from the Old Coin Shop (Harlan White), April 17, 1969.

Outstanding 1856 Half Eagle

Among the Finest Known


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1081     1856 MS-64 (PCGS). An intense degree of lustre dances on satiny golden surfaces. Iridescent olive toning increases the overall appeal substantially. A distinct rarity in Mint State, with only a very few of the 197,990 specimens of the date struck able to claim that grade today. Especially choice for the grade, combining a high numerical designation and a generous amount of aesthetic appeal. The connoisseur will wish to bid liberally.

Struck from a rotated reverse die; the alignment is about 150°, as opposed to the normal alignment of 180°.

A tiny raised lump, probably the result of die rust, is seen on Liberty’s neck just below her earlobe.

From Paramount’s Auction ’86 sale, July 1986, Lot 1919.

Uncirculated 1856 $5

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1082     1856 MS-60. Highly lustrous and choice for the assigned grade. Another specimen at the Mint State level, seldom seen so fine.

From Glendining’s sale of October 1970, Lot 964.

Desirable 1856-C Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1083     1856-C AU-58 (PCGS). Highly lustrous honey gold surfaces present a touch of olive iridescence in the recessed areas. Somewhat prooflike in the fields. A low-mintage rarity among Charlotte Mint half eagles; 28,457 examples of the date were coined. "VF or EF is just about all one can expect to find of this date," wrote David Akers, while Douglas Winter gives the date a Rarity-7 rating in AU.

PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (MS-61 finest).

Three pairs of dies were sent from Philadelphia to Charlotte, but no accounting has ever been given for more than a single die variety.

From Paramount’s Auction ’85 sale, July 1985, Lot 1432.

Underrated 1856-C Half Eagle

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1084     1856-C AU-50. Lustrous orange-gold with rose iridescence; the overall sharpness and appearance are of a much finer grade, but the surfaces are of a seawater nature–what a story this coin could tell if it could only speak! The 1856-C is a rarity in all grades. The present coin, with very attractive surfaces that remind one of the Matte Proofs of a later generation, will represent a beautiful addition to an advanced cabinet.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, May 30, 1972.

Mint State 1856-D $5

Low-Mintage Rarity

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1085     1856-D MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with rose iridescence on both sides. A touch of weakness is seen at the centers, with a sharp strike present in all other areas. A faint obverse toning streak runs horizontally between the second and third stars. From a mintage for the date of 19,786 pieces, among the lowest Dahlonega half eagle production runs of the era. Typical examples of the date are usually VF or so. The date becomes a notable rarity in EF or finer, with Uncirculated examples offered infrequently at best. The connoisseur will appreciate the present piece and will be present and accounted for at the sale, in person or by another form of bidding (of which there are quite a few in the present era). The beginning collector may wish to take a giant step forward by acquiring a landmark specimen of this piece early in the game. Regardless, the owner will have a specimen with very few peers.

A reverse die crack runs from the rim at 9:00, through the D of UNITED, to a point at the upper right (viewer’s left) corner of the shield. From there the crack darts upward diagonally, across the eagle’s neck and the field, and from there through the F in OF to the rim above.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 903

Another Important 1856-D $5

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1086     1856-D AU-55. Deep orange-gold seawater surfaces display warm areas of rose iridescence. Impressive despite the faintly granular nature of the surfaces. Another highly important coin, a variety that is usually seen one at a time, but of which our present sale offers three!

Purchased from Julian Leidman, May 30, 1972.

A Final Notable 1856-D $5

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1087     1856-D AU-50 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold with a touch of rose in the recessed areas. A final specimen of this highly prized key issue.

Two reverse die cracks are present. The first runs horizontally from the rim at 9:00, across the D of UNITED, and then across the eagle’s wing to the upper corner of the shield. The second crack runs diagonally from the rim at 1:00, across the F in OF, then into the field where it parallels the eagle’s wing before joining the eagle’s neck feathers. The two cracks may actually meet, but the striking weakness in the neck area (typical of all authentic pieces) precludes any satisfactory proof to that effect.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, November 15, 1968.

Outstanding 1856-O $5 Rarity

None Certified Finer by PCGS

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1088     1856-O Repunched 1 in Date. AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold with a decidedly olive blush on both sides. Nicely struck and aesthetically appealing for the grade. The fields are somewhat prooflike.

The 1856-O is a long-appreciated rarity, as only 10,000 pieces were struck in an era in which there was no numismatic interest in mintmarks. At the AU level the issue is so rare that it is believed that fewer than a dozen coins are known. The present grade, AU-58, represents the very highest level ever certified by PCGS.

For the connoisseur this represents an exceedingly important opportunity.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

The base of the 1 in the date is boldly repunched. Another obverse die is known for the date, without repunching at the 1.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 906.

Another Rare 1856-O Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1089     1856-O AU-50. Medium gold with deep orange-gold in the recessed areas. Some faint scratches can be seen around the last two obverse stars, no doubt the result of an attempt to remove some patina in that area. From a numerical grade this piece is quite possibly in the Condition Census, but in any event is one of the finer pieces to come on the market in recent years.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2086.

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1090     1856-S AU-55. Satiny orange-gold surfaces present a minutely granular seawater appearance. Sharply struck. A very important issue, one for which relatively few pieces at the AU level have appeared in auctions over the years.

From Abe Kosoff’s C.S.N.A. sale, October 1968, Lot 877.

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1091     1856-S AU-55. Lustrous honey gold, nearly butterscotch in appearance. Nicely struck and attractive for the grade. Another scarce coin from the standpoint of auction citations.

Purchased from Fred Sweeney, August 25, 1973.

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1092     1856-S Breen-6628. Repunched 185. AU-53 (PCGS). Satiny honey gold surfaces display a touch of rose and olive.

The first three date numerals on this variety are repunched.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, June 25, 1968.

1093     1856-S AU-50. Generous amounts of orange lustre on honey gold surfaces.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 443.

Choice Mint State 1857 $5

Condition Census

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1094     1857 Repunched 185 in Date. MS-63 (PCGS). A satiny honey gold specimen with attractive olive iridescence present. Nicely struck, and with an absolute minimum of contact marks for the grade. A Philadelphia Mint rarity in Uncirculated; indeed, the date is considerably rarer in AU or finer than its mintage of 98,188 business strikes indicates.

PCGS Population: 11; 1 finer (MS-64)

Repunching is noted on the 185 of the date on this specimen, a variety called "rare" by Breen in his Encyclopedia.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 908.

Uncirculated 1857 Half Eagle

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1095     1857 MS-62. Plenty of lustre present on satiny golden surfaces. Struck from lightly clashed dies. A choice coin for the grade. Rare this nice.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 1989.

Important 1857-C Half Eagle

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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1096     1857-C MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with a whisper of olive iridescence. Sharply struck in the design areas, although some weakness is noted in the dentils, typical for genuine specimens of the date and mint.

The 1857-C is a notable rarity in all grades, and even an AU coin (see following lot) will make the advanced collector stand up and salute. Regarding Mint State, the present piece is a landmark rarity. None finer has ever been graded by the highly esteemed PCGS service. Specialists will want to bid liberally!

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

Only a single die variety for this date has ever been noted in the literature.

Purchased from Mid American, August 30, 1991.

Lovely 1857-C $5 Rarity

Among Finest Seen

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1097     1857-C AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold surfaces. Nicely struck. This lovely specimen is among the finest 1857-C half eagles ever to come under our discerning observation. The specialist who misses or who cannot afford Lot 1096 will do very well to "place" with the present Lot 1097. By any evaluation it is among the finest of its kind.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 277.

Superb 1857-D Half Eagle

Solo Peak Grade PCGS Coin

Another Landmark!


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1098     1857-D MS-63 (PCGS). A satiny and lustrous beauty. Pale rose iridescence graces the orange-gold surfaces.

A superb Mint State survivor from a small mintage of only 17,046 pieces. When seen the 1857-D is usually VF, sometimes EF, but seldom even AU. At the present level we have the finest coin graded by PCGS, and the only coin graded at that level. Again, here is an opportunity that may not be repeated for a long time, if ever.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, April 20, 1970.

Important 1857-D Half Eagle

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1099     1857-D AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with some rose iridescence in the recessed areas. Nicely struck for the date. An important opportunity; a splendid 1857-D at a grade level which is seldom seen. A piece that will grace the cabinet of the connoisseur and specialist.

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1948.

Seldom-Offered 1857-O $5

A Low-Mintage Rarity

Condition Census

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1100     1857-O AU-53 (PCGS). Glittering yellow gold surfaces. Nicely struck for the date. From a small mintage for the date of 13,000 pieces, with most surviving specimens of the date in VF or EF. Douglas Winter called the date mid to high Rarity-7 in AU, indicating that perhaps four to six pieces are known. The 1857-O is further important as the last New Orleans Mint coin of this denomination until many years later in 1892.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of September 1967, Lot 1752.

Mint State 1857-S Half Eagle

Finest Certified by PCGS

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1101     1857-S Breen-6632. Large S Mintmark. MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with warm orange-gold highlights. A whisper of olive iridescence graces the date area. Sharply struck. An enticing beauty that gives the overall appearance of a finer grade, a coin that stands up well to careful scrutiny.

This is the finest coin graded by PCGS, with no other in sight. We are aware of the treasure trove of 1857-S gold coins, mostly $20 pieces, but including a few other coins as well, recovered from the S.S. Central America sunk on September 12, 1857. We raise the possibility that additional choice half eagles may come to light, but no doubt anyone reading the present catalogue is already aware of this–for much publicity has been given to the treasure in the decade since it was first brought to the surface through the remarkable efforts of the Columbus-America Discovery Group.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 444. Obtained from the Northern California Estate many years ago.

1102     1857-S Breen-6632. Large S Mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous golden orange surfaces with vivid rose iridescence in the protected areas. Sharply struck.

Purchased from N.K.S., April 28, 1967.

1103     1857-S AU-55 (PCGS). A high degree of lustre graces the satiny golden surfaces.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 912.