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

Choice Mint State 1858 Half Eagle

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS


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1104     1858 MS-64 (PCGS). A brilliant and lustrous beauty with just a hint of olive toning. Decidedly choice for the grade.

The 1858 inaugurates a long run of rarities from the Philadelphia Mint. Only 15,136 examples were struck. Typically encountered in VF or EF, the 1858 emerges as quite scarce in AU and a prime rarity in Mint State. Regarding MS-64, the coin can be called incredible.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

From Paramount’s Auction ’79 sale, July 1979, Lot 310.

1105     1858 AU-58. Dusky golden orange toning on satiny devices and slightly reflective fields. Traces of faint brushing seen on both sides. Still a notable rarity.

From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 204.

Desirable Mint State 1858-C $5

High Condition Census

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1106     1858-C MS-62 (PCGS). Satiny honey gold surfaces display strong lustre and tremendous eye appeal. A whisper of olive iridescence adds greatly to the overall aesthetic quality. Sharply struck, a characteristic that is seldom applied to any Charlotte Mint half eagle. "I have personally seen only two or three that I would grade Uncirculated," wrote David Akers; Douglas Winter gave this date a Rarity-8 rating in Uncirculated. Choice for the assigned grade, a remarkable coin which has few equals in numismatics.

PCGS Population: 1; 1 finer (MS-63). We don’t know, but it could be that the presently offered MS-62 is the aesthetic equal of the competing MS-63. Certainly, our "sharply struck" description is worth a point or two! Seriously!

This variety has the C mintmark centered above the viewer’s right upright of the V in FIVE.

From Abe Kosoff’s C.S.N.A. sale, October 1968, Lot 878.

Elusive 1858-C Half Eagle

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1107     1858-C AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous golden orange surfaces. A high-grade example of an issue which is typically seen at the VF or EF level.

This variety has the C mintmark centered above the space between the V and E in FIVE, but positioned chiefly over the upright of the E. This is the rarer of the two known mintmark placements for this date.

Some faint, spidery die cracks are seen among the reverse legend.

Purchased from N.K.S., May 21, 1969.

Incredible 1858-D Half Eagle

Sharply Struck

A Dahlonega Landmark


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1108     1858-D Breen-6636. Large D Mintmark. MS-62 (PCGS). Frosty orange-gold surfaces display a high degree of mint brilliance and strong yellow iridescence. Sharply struck in all areas, an extraordinary departure from the weakness of strike this date typically presents. From the scant mintage of 15,362 pieces, few specimens can be found today in any grade above EF. The present Mint State, with a high grade number plus the exceedingly important (shall we say it’s worth two or three points?) aspect of sharp strike and aesthetic appeal combine to create a landmark.

PCGS Population: 2; 2 finer (MS-64 finest).

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 283.

Lustrous 1858-D Half Eagle

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1109     1858-D Breen-6636. Large D Mintmark. AU-50. Lustrous yellow gold with rich orange toning highlights in the recessed areas. Some lightness of strike noted at the centers, par for just about every specimen of this date (Lot 1108 being an anomaly). A very beautiful specimen overall, one that will delight the connoisseur and specialist.

A reverse die crack extends from the lower half of the eagle’s beak to the wing immediately below. A second crack unites the bottoms of the E and D of the denomination, extending to the period after the D.

From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 206.

Impressive 1858-S Half Eagle

Finest Certified by PCGS

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1110     1858-S AU-58 (PCGS). Satiny honey gold surfaces display attractive mint lustre. A rare date in all grades; only 18,600 pieces were produced, and very few of the surviving examples from that mintage can be found above EF. In fact, even the offer of an attractive EF specimen of the date would be cause for some celebration. The present candidate is certainly the finest known with regard to the PCGS certification and may be the absolute finest known in the entire universe of numismatics. It is important to realize that such pieces have never been connected with any treasure, and thus such recovered wrecks as the S.S. Central America (which sunk the year before, in 1857), and the S.S. Brother Jonathan (which sunk years later in 1864, and included no example of this issue) are not a factor. The survival of the present piece is a matter of rare chance. It could be that decades will pass before a comparable offering.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

David Akers spoke highly of this rarity in 1979, when he penned the following: "Beginning with 1858 and extending to 1876, the San Francisco Mint half eagles are, without exception, extremely rare better than EF, and some are actually unknown (to me at least) above that grade."

In further admiration of the rarity of this particular issue, 1858-S in high grades, David Akers further noted: "I have personally never seen better than EF and no more than a few even at that level." Although 20 years have elapsed since this comment appeared in print, and there have been many adjustments and new findings, the Akers narrative can stand as is–no modification needed.

Purchased from Rowe & Brownlee, June 17, 1968.

Incredible Mint State 1859 $5

Only Specimen Certified by PCGS

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1111     1859 MS-62 (PCGS). Strong cartwheel lustre and attractive olive highlights on satiny surfaces. This is the only specimen certified at any Mint State level by PCGS–a coin that has no competition at the MS-62 level or, for that matter, MS-61 or MS-60 either. Moreover, not only is it MS-62 from a numerical viewpoint, but it also has incredible aesthetic value–a coin of very high quality.

The 1859 half eagle continues the line-up of rarities from the Philadelphia Mint. Only 16,814 business strikes were made, of which just about every piece became well circulated. The present specimen last appeared on the market 31 years ago. Perhaps during the next 30 to 31 years another piece will come to market, or perhaps one will not. In any event, the connoisseur and specialist will want to bid as liberally as possible to acquire a piece which may not be available again in his or her lifetime.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from Don Devore, August 21, 1968.

Popular 1859-C Half Eagle

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1112     1859-C AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous golden surfaces exhibit deep rose iridescence in most areas. A few stray marks are present. The reverse strike is typically soft in most places for this date, and high-grade specimens are mainly judged by the overall quality of the obverse. From a mintage for the date of 31,847 pieces. Most of the survivors from that mintage are VF or, at best, EF. Douglas Winter calls the date Rarity-7 in AU preservation, indicating that fewer than a dozen are known. The present coin will attract wide attention.

The reverse of virtually every known 1859-C half eagle is struck weakly. Many of the known impressions from the die also show evidence of die rust. This same reverse die was used in Charlotte in the following year, 1860, with the same comments regarding the reverse die being appropriate for half eagles of that date as well.

From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 208.

Another Remarkable 1859-C $5

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1113     1859-C AU-50 (PCGS). Medium golden surfaces with lustre in the recessed areas. Another remarkable piece, a Charlotte Mint coin that is rarely seen at the AU level.

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

Mint State 1859-D Half Eagle

Condition Census Rarity

Low-Mintage Issue

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1114     1859-D Small D Mintmark. MS-61 (PCGS). Intense lustre and brilliance grace satiny orange-gold surfaces. Nicely struck in all areas, not fully so, (nor are any contemporaries of this coin), but so close that the specialist will rejoice and realize that this piece is very special.

Only 10,366 half eagles of the date were produced in Dahlonega, reaching a low point exceeded only by the 1861-D. Few numismatists will ever have a chance to compete for a Mint State specimen of this rarity.

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

The small D mintmark is centered chiefly above the upright of the E in FIVE.

Another Notable 1859-D $5 Rarity

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1115     1859-D Small D Mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous golden orange with deep rose iridescence present. Nicely struck, and notable as such. Quite rare, and at the AU level seldom seen. A very high quality piece.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 28, 1967.

A Final 1859-D $5 Rarity

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1116     1859-D Small D Mintmark. AU-50. Lustrous golden orange with deep rose iridescence in the protected areas. Devoid of significant marks and choice for the grade. Gaston DiBello was an early player in the gold coin game, and using profits he made in the heady market after World War II acquired many notable rarities, especially in the field of gold issues. No doubt the present 1859-D represents the very finest he was able to obtain in many years of searching.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 918.

Lovely 1859-D Half Eagle

The Eliasberg Specimen

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1117     1859-D Large D Mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous yellow gold with a touch of rose. How incredible it is to have a virtual line-up of AU 1859-D half eagles, when even a single piece would be an unusual opportunity! The Eliasberg pedigree attached to this coin gives it an extra romance and desirability.

The large D mintmark is centered above the space between the V and E of FIVE.

From our sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, October 1982, Lot 494. Earlier from the Clapp Collection, 1942, and still earlier from J.C. Mitchelson, 1905. Mitchelson, who was in the tobacco business in Connecticut, traveled widely and, as noted elsewhere in the present catalogue, was a vest pocket coin dealer. The planned sylloge of the Bass Collection will have biographies on Mitchelson and the dozens of other names involved in pedigrees of these and related coins.

Incredible 1859-S $5 Rarity

Solo PCGS Mint State Coin!

Far the Finest Known


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1118     1859-S MS-62 (PCGS). A superb specimen, within the context of the assigned grade, with intense cartwheel lustre on satiny medium gold surfaces. Far and away the finest graded by PCGS, with no other contender in sight. Intense cartwheel lustre on satiny medium gold surfaces gives this piece an important aesthetic value in addition to the already important number. Moreover, the piece is sharply struck.

Only 13,220 half eagles were struck of the 1859 issues, and virtually all became well worn. David Akers, who did much research on the series, never saw a coin better than Extremely Fine, and only two or three Extremely Fine pieces were seen (which is an important consideration for our offering of the next lot). The present coin will be a great treasure in the collection of its next owner.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the Milas Collection, May 1995, Lot 517.

Incredible 1859-S $5

A Rarity in AU Grade

Condition Census

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1119     1859-S AU-53 (PCGS). Lustrous medium gold with plenty of mint brilliance in the recessed areas. The David Akers comments quoted under Lot 1118 should be reread in the present context. Whether there are a handful of other AU-53 pieces known is a matter of conjecture, due to resubmission. By all evaluations, the rarity of the present issue is unquestioned.

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

From Rarcoa’s sale of May 1969, Lot 213.

Landmark 1860 Mint State $5

Finest and Only Certified by PCGS

Philadelphia Mint Rarity


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1120     1860 MS-64 (PCGS). A satiny and lustrous half eagle with superb eye appeal and grand physical presence. Sharply struck. The finest and only piece graded at the MS-64 level by PCGS. Another landmark, the desirability of which is enhanced by the low mintage of 19,763 pieces. Most survivors are VF or EF. What few numismatists who desired to collect $5 pieces by date in 1860 opted to acquire Proofs. So far as we know, not a single business strike was deliberately set aside.

The grading number, the aesthetic quality, and the rarity of this piece come together to create a landmark.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Glendining’s sale of October 1970, Lot 968.

1121     1860 AU-58. A lustrous golden specimen of this rare Philadelphia issue. Pleasing for the grade. Very rare so fine, for reasons indicated under the preceding lot.

Glittering 1860-C Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1122     1860-C Breen-6645. Doubled Date. AU-58 (PCGS). A glittering honey gold specimen with strong lustre on both sides. A popular and desirable rarity from the waning years of Charlotte Mint coinage production. Just 14,813 half eagles of the date were struck, with high-grade survivors from that mintage offered only intermittently at best. VF or EF is typical for the date, with AU and finer examples of the date considered very rare.

PCGS Population: 7; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).

The date on this rare variety was first punched slightly to the left of its final position, then repunched. Both Breen and Winter mentioned the variety in their respective books, both also mentioning the rarity of the variety.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of March 1969, Lot 290.

Another Important 1860-C $5

Condition Census

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1123     1860-C AU-58 (PCGS). A lustrous golden orange specimen with somewhat reflective fields. Another lovely example of this low-mintage date, a coin which is seldom seen at this grade level. Condition Census.

PCGS Population: 7; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).

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

A Final 1860-C $5 Rarity

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1124     1860-C Net AU-50; sharpness of AU-58 or so, but brushed long ago, most obviously on the obverse. Still highly important as one of the most sought after rarities among Charlotte Mint coinage.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, October 30, 1972.

Impressive 1860-D Half Eagle

Lustrous Mint State

The Norweb Specimen

Condition Census


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1125     1860-D MS-62 (PCGS). Highly lustrous orange-gold surfaces. Well struck for the date, sharp in most places, and, as such, a pleasing departure from the norm for the date. From our sale of the Norweb Collection, one of the highlights in that marvelous cabinet.

The mintage of the 1860-D amounted to 14,635 pieces, of which relatively few survive in any grade. The present piece is one of a handful of coins that have been graded Mint State by PCGS. This particularly nice specimen has been housed in some of the most famous cabinets in numismatic history, including those of King Farouk of Egypt, the Norweb family, and Harry W. Bass, Jr.; what better pedigree could be attached to this rarity? Perhaps your name will soon be added to this illustrious list.

PCGS Population: 4; 1 finer (MS-64).

From our sale of the Norweb Collection, Part I, October 1987, Lot 864; ex King Farouk sale, 1954, Lot 254.

Outstanding 1860-D Half Eagle

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1126     1860-D AU-58 (PCGS). A highly lustrous specimen with outstanding aesthetic appeal. Another truly notable specimen of this highly prized Dahlonega issue.

From Stack’s sale of the Forrest Collection, September 1972, Lot 275.

Lustrous 1860-D Half Eagle

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1127     1860-D AU-55 (PCGS). Strong lustre present on yellow gold surfaces. Yet another memorable 1860-D rarity.

Purchased from Paramount, February 15, 1968.

1128     1860-D VF-35. A well-worn but still reasonably attractive example of this scarce date. A faint obverse scratch connects the third star to Liberty’s nose. A final specimen.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, April 1968, Lot 2073.

Incredible 1860-S $5 Rarity

Only Mint State PCGS Coin

A San Francisco Landmark


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1129     1860-S MS-62 (PCGS). A frosty orange-gold specimen. A fantastic coin, the only Mint State specimen at any level graded by PCGS.

The mintage of the 1860-S was just 21,200 pieces. These were effectively used in circulation, with the result that today the typical example is apt to be VF. Walter Breen noted that the 1860-S is "Extremely rare EF, unobtainable above," perhaps echoing David Akers’ comment, "A very rare coin in any condition and, to the best of my knowledge, unknown in full Mint State."

To complete our description, we note that NGC has not laid eyes on a Mint State specimen at any level. Here, indeed, is an incredible opportunity–a legendary rarity that will be a highlight in the cabinet of its next owner. This is the only example of the date certified in any Mint State grade by PCGS; for the record, no Mint State examples of the date have been certified by NGC. Here, then, is one of the finest opportunities in the present offering of half eagles, an opportunity that has not been offered since 1982. Who knows, it could be another 27 years before the numismatic community has an opportunity to bid for this treasure once again.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From our sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, October 1982, Lot 499. From the Clapp Collection 1942; earlier from a Chapman Sale, 1908.

Another Impressive 1860-S Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1130     1860-S AU-50 (PCGS). Lustrous golden surfaces with hints of rose and violet in the recessed areas. A marvelous 1860-S, one of the finest known. While the preceding lot is indeed finer and one of a kind, the present coin stands high and proud as an important Condition Census piece.

PCGS Population: 5; 2 finer (MS-62 finest).

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1961.

Another 1860-S Half Eagle

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1131     1860-S AU-50 (PCGS). Strong lustre on honey gold surfaces. Very faint seawater porosity noted. Very rare at this grade level, as we mentioned under our description for Lot 1129.

From Paramount’s sale of February 1971, Lot 1047.

Elusive 1860-S Half Eagle

1132     1860-S EF-45. A moderate amount of lustre graces honey gold surfaces. Some faint marks are present, none of which are overly noticeable. A final specimen, also in a grade that is rarely seen.

Purchased from N.K.S., May 21, 1968.

Choice Mint State 1861 Half Eagle

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1133     1861 MS-64 (PCGS). A highly lustrous and satiny specimen, easily a gem within the context of the assigned grade. Among Philadelphia Mint coins of this era, the 1861 is the only year that comes on the market with some degree of regularity. Thus, this is an ideal candidate for a high-grade type set to illustrate the 1839-1866 without-motto style.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, August 8, 1972.

Another Mint State 1861 $5

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1134     1861 MS-62 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold surfaces.

Struck from a clashed obverse die, with traces of the reverse olive branch and leaves present around Miss Liberty’s eye. In addition, there are some small raised lumps among the vertical stripes of the reverse shield, probably the result of die rust in that area.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, August 15, 1971.

1135     1861 AU-58 (PCGS). Highly lustrous with strong overall appeal for the grade. Nicely struck.

A faint reverse die crack unites the bottoms of STATES OF.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, August 8, 1972.

Desirable 1861-C Half Eagle

Final Charlotte Mint Issue

Condition Census

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1136     1861-C AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with deeper orange highlights. Nicely struck for the date, with nearly full details in all areas. A popular low-mintage rarity, one of only 6,879 examples of the date struck during the final year of Charlotte Mint operations, the closing of the mint being precipitated by the advent of the Civil War, and the seizure of the Charlotte facility by Confederate troops five days later, on April 20, 1861.

For the 1861-C VF to EF is typical, with AU or finer pieces being quite rare. The present coin represents a highly important opportunity. We recall a number of years ago–it must have been in the 1980s–Coin World was preparing a feature article on the Charlotte Mint and desired an illustration of the 1861-C. They looked high and low and could not find one in their archives. They consulted us, and we were able to help–but it was not an easy task.

PCGS Population: 8; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).

In his Encyclopedia, Breen gives a mintage figure of 5,992 examples of the date as the "Union issue," or those coins struck while the mint at Charlotte was still in the hands of U.S. Mint employees. He lists an additional 887 examples of the date as having been coined after the takeover of the mint by Confederate troops in April 1861. The specimen offered here exhibits heavy diagonal die file marks above RIC in AMERICA, as well as a fine die crack that descends from the rim above the M, and then connects the tops of MER; a small spur of that crack doubles back from the M and connects to the first A. This is not quite the die state called "CSA issue" by Breen. In that state, there is visible rust pitting around AMERI, as well as a more pronounced state of the previously mentioned die crack.

From Paramount’s sale of February 1971, Lot 1557.

Uncirculated 1861-D Half Eagle

The Norweb Specimen

Condition Census Rarity


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1137     1861-D MS-61 (PCGS). A satiny and lustrous honey gold specimen. A coin with a high aesthetic appeal, one of the nicest we have ever seen. Above average in strike.

This is one of only 1,597 examples of the date struck under the auspices of the U.S. Mint at Dahlonega, with an unknown quantity–perhaps up to 1,000 pieces, or slightly more–believed to have been struck by the mint while in the hands of the Confederates. The 1861-D is a greatly prized rarity in all grades, a date that is numismatically and historically important, and always desirable as the capstone to a major collection. This specimen is certainly among the finest that present participants in the Bass Collection will ever see in the auction forum. The importance and desirability cannot be over emphasized.

PCGS Population: 2; 3 finer (MS-63 finest).

As noted in our sale of the Norweb Collection, "There is no way that the Confederate coins can be told from the Union ones, but the possibility is haunting, and thus all 1861-D half eagles have a connection proximate or actual with the Confederate States of America."

From our sale of the Norweb Collection, October 1987, Lot 868; ex King Farouk Palace Collection, 1954, Lot 254.

Choice AU 1861-S $5 Rarity

Tied for PCGS Finest Certified

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1138     1861-S AU-53 (PCGS). Medium gold with a splash of lustre here and there. A greatly underrated rarity from our westernmost mint, one of just 12,000 examples of the date struck. David Akers noted: "Most known specimens (there aren’t really very many) are only Fine or VF." He further wrote that the date is "Grossly underrated and underpriced for its rarity." These comments still ring true today; the finest examples of the date certified by PCGS are only graded AU-53! Here is your chance to capture one of the finest known specimens of this rare date, a coin that will set your half eagle collection apart from most others currently being formed.

PCGS Population: 3; none finer.

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 460.

Another Rare 1861-S Half Eagle

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1139     1861-S EF-40. Generous amounts of lustre present on medium gold surfaces. Some faint obverse pitting and light brush marks are present. A notable specimen, very rare and desirable.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 464.

Impressive 1862 Half Eagle

A Low-Mintage Rarity

Stand-Alone PCGS Coin


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1140     1862 MS-61 (PCGS). Satiny honey gold surfaces with lively cartwheel lustre and attractive iridescent rose highlights. Sharply struck. A well-known rarity from the Philadelphia Mint; only 4,430 business strikes of the date were produced. Typically seen in VF or EF, that statement being nearly a litany where Liberty half eagles of the era are concerned. Even an AU specimen would be a cause for numismatic celebration. The present Mint State coin is the only one certified at any Mint State level by PCGS. Thus, this present coin is much rarer than a Proof of this date.

Another opportunity of opportunities for the discriminating buyer.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, June 6, 1969.

Incredible 1862-S Half Eagle

Finest Certified by PCGS


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1141     1862-S AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous honey gold with some deeper orange gold in the recessed areas. Nicely struck in nearly all areas. This is the finest survivor we have seen from the small mintage of just 9,500 pieces.

In 1988, Walter Breen in his Encyclopedia stated, "Prohibitively rare above VF, unknown above EF" in regard to this date. David Akers called this date: "One of the really great rarities of the half eagle series," remarking that he had never seen an example of the date that was "full EF." Of course, the comments by Akers were made 20 years ago, but surprisingly little has actually changed since then regarding this date. It is still a great rarity in EF or higher, and the piece offered here perhaps being the finest known and unique at the AU-55 level. By any evaluation, unique or close to it, the coin is a landmark rarity.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

From Stack’s sale of the Milas Collection, May 1995, Lot 527.

Important 1862-S Half Eagle

A Low-Mintage Rarity

Condition Census

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1142     1862-S EF-45 (PCGS). Deep orange and rose iridescence on lustrous surfaces. Another opportunity to compete for a nice example of the 1862-S, a coin which at this grade is Condition Census.

PCGS Population: 5; 6 finer (AU-55 finest).

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 28, 1967.

Impressive 1863 $5 Rarity

Tied for Finest Graded by PCGS

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1143     1863 AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous orange-gold with considerable prooflike quality on both sides. Sharply struck from lightly clashed dies. Another great rarity from the Philadelphia Mint. Only 2,442 were struck, creating an issue that is a landmark in any and all grades. Most of the few survivors are VF or EF.

The present coin, tied for the finest graded by PCGS, represents an extraordinary opportunity for the advanced specialist.

PCGS Population: 2; none finer.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, June 1975; ex Pine Tree Rare Coin Auctions’ sale of June 1975, Lot 459.

Lustrous Prooflike 1863 $5

Low-Mintage Rarity

Condition Census

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1144     1863 AU-55 (PCGS). Highly lustrous with reflective orange-gold fields and lightly frosted devices. Deep rose iridescence glows in the protected areas. Another coin, Condition Census, and exceedingly desirable as such. It may be a long time until a comparable opportunity occurs.

PCGS Population: 1; 2 finer (AU-58 finest).

From Stack’s sale of December 1970, Lot 217; earlier from the Lusk and Leonard Collection, Lot 408.

Impressive 1863-S $5 Rarity

High Condition Census

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1145     1863-S AU-55 (PCGS). Highly lustrous medium gold surfaces with brilliant orange highlights. Even rarer than its mintage of 17,000 pieces suggests. Fine to VF is about all that can be reasonably expected when this date is acquired. However, the Bass Collection has many exceptions, and this is one. It may be a long time until a comparable specimen crosses the auction block.

PCGS Population: 2; 1 finer (MS-61).

From Paramount’s sale of Auction ’85, July 1985, Lot 1434.

Rare 1863-S Half Eagle

Condition Census

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1146     1863-S AU-50 (PCGS). Glittering orange-gold surfaces display plenty of frosty lustre and eye appeal. Another notable specimen, Condition Census and highly important as such.

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

From Superior’s sale of February 1973, Lot 464.

A Final 1863-S $5

Condition Census

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1147     1863-S EF-45 (PCGS). Highly lustrous. A final example of the 1863-S rarity. This piece is also Condition Census, although some surface marks remove it from the elegant category of the three preceding listings.

PCGS Population: 7; 5 finer (MS-61 finest).

From Paramount’s sale of August 1969, Lot 1968.

Marvelous 1864 Half Eagle Rarity

Solo Mint State PCGS Coin

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1148     1864 MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous golden surfaces with some prooflike reflectivity in the fields. A hint of olive iridescence adds to the overall appeal. The only coin graded at any Mint State level by PCGS, a remarkable statement considering that millions of coins have passed under the watchful eyes of the graders there.

In 1864, only 4,170 business strikes were made. It is likely that these were sold at a profit (in terms of greenback notes) for use in the export trade, where they became melted or worn. An interesting situation will be described in detail in Dave Bowers’s forthcoming book, Edmund Roberts and the Famous Silver Dollars Dated 1804, which reveals that in the 1860s when gold coins were not circulating at all in the Eastern and Midwestern United States, they were a glut in commerce in the far-off remote island of Zanzibar, off the east coast of Africa. This new book, which should be on the "must have" list of every serious numismatist, brings to print much hitherto unpublished numismatic and financial information regarding silver and gold coins of the 19th century.

Today the 1864 half eagle is seldom seen in any grades. The present piece can be considered as the highest order of rarity. As such it is one of the most important opportunities in the present offering.

PCGS Population: 1; none finer.

Purchased from Stack’s, February 26, 1971.

Another Notable 1864 $5

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1149     1864 AU-55. Medium honey gold with nice lustre and a decent strike. A few faint marks are seen, most prominent being a shallow scratch on Liberty’s cheek. At the AU-55 level this is one of the finest ever to be sold at auction.

From Abe Kosoff’s ANA sale, August 1968, Lot 980.