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

Half Eagles

Welcome to the half eagles in the Bass III Sale. As you probably expect, a wonderful treat awaits you!

The offering begins with the first year of issue, 1795, and continues from there, offering selected earlier pieces after which the selection becomes extensive and truly memorable. The area of numismatic elegance in the pages to follow is in the Coronet Head series, in which Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and San Francisco pieces are offered in extraordinarily high quality–often accompanied by additional features such as interesting logotype variations, repunchings, and die states. For the specialist, the Coronet Head half eagles from 1839 onward represent a dream come true–the opportunity to compete via this catalogue for coins that Harry Bass took 30 years to consider, hand select, and purchase. For specialists and for future reference, many notes have been made concerning die peculiarities and die states. As if this serving of numismatic pleasures is not sufficient, scarce and rare Carson City coins beckon.

For the more casual, yet enthusiastic collector the presentation offers the possibility to add to a basic set of dates and mintmarks. Among all 19th-century coins, Charlotte and Dahlonega half eagles have been especially popular for a long time. There are no "impossible" rarities with which to contend, but many pieces are very elusive–particularly in the high grades offered in the Bass Collection. The New Orleans pieces are often every bit as rare as their counterparts from the mints in North Carolina and Georgia, but are not as noticed by the numismatic fraternity, and thus are apt to be less expensive. Perhaps this translates into an opportunity to obtain some truly fine pieces while the market isn’t looking. The same can be said for the San Francisco coins. There are many scarce and rare pieces the significance of which is not widely appreciated by catalogue listings or the general market. Over the years some of the finest collections have been formed to advantage by purchasing at times when others were distracted by more popular things. So it may be for certain of the Coronet Head half eagles. And, the Philadelphia Mint coins also offer many interesting varieties and purchase possibilities.

Apart from Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins and the specialized works by Douglas Winter, little is available in print concerning die peculiarities of Coronet Head coins. The field is untapped, and even with the excellent Winter books at hand, a specialist can soon find an unlisted variety or two–it has happened many times. In contrast, for the collector of early copper cents 1793-1814 it would be a lifetime achievement to find a new variety. The point of this is that today at the Bass Collection sale, there is an opportunity to acquire scarce, rare, interesting, and sometimes unlisted pieces–coins that will be enjoyed for a long time. During the cataloguing of these pieces Mark Borckardt and the editor (QDB) lingered long over many of the coins–sometimes comparing notes, other times taking a second or third look under a stereomicroscope, still other times jotting down notes for posterity. All of this has been very enjoyable.

The half eagles collected by Harry W. Bass, Jr. are now awaiting your perusal, consideration, and bids. Welcome to one of the most interesting, most extensive series in 19th-century numismatics.

Pleasing 1795 Small Eagle $5

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288     1795 Breen-6412, Breen-2C. Rarity-5. Small Eagle. AU-50. Surfaces lightly polished long ago. Overall, this is a very attractive half eagle issue–the first federal American gold coin. For many years this date has been highly regarded as a true classic. Today, 12 varieties of 1795 Small Eagle $5 are known to exist, furnishing an arena for study that has captured the interest and imagination of such scholars as J.C. Randall (the first to delineate die varieties), William H. Woodin, John H. Clapp, Edgar H. Adams, and Walter H. Breen (seemingly, one needs to have an "H" as a middle name in order to accomplish much of this study!). As is true of other gold coins of the period, each 1795 was struck from hand-cut dies with many idiosyncrasies including differences in the placement of stars and letters, arrangements of berries in the wreath, etc.

Although the mintage was posted as 8,707 coins, little attention was paid to striking coins in the calendar year covered by each Mint Report. Thus, it is quite likely that given the number of dies and varieties, some of the mintage figures for later years also include coins bearing the 1795 date.

On the obverse there is extensive evidence of die rust, most prominent in the lower areas of the curls and in and about stars 1-3.

From New Netherlands’ sale of June 1970, Lot 467.

Outstanding 1795 Heraldic Eagle $5

An American Classic

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289     1795 Breen-6423, B-7X. Rarity-5+. Heraldic Eagle. MS-61 (PCGS). An attractive, sharply struck example of this rarity with very slight central weakness. Greenish gold surfaces are very slightly reflective. Few very minor surface marks are noted.

For many years, indeed generations, a 1795 Heraldic Eagle, or Large Eagle as it used to be called, has been recognized as one of the foremost rarities in the early eagle series. One can peruse any number of 19th-century catalogues and find this variety conspicuous by its absence or, when offered, the subject of enthusiastic commentary. Today it is recognized that there are three die varieties known, of which B-7X is the one most often encountered, but with offerings being widely spaced. The exact number known of B-7X is not known, but the cataloguer (Mark Borckardt) estimates that perhaps up to 40 could be accounted for, with perhaps a dozen or two others. Of the few examples of B-7X that have passed through our hands, the present coin is the finest we recall, and is certainly one of the best known anywhere. In Part II of the Bass Collection, Lot 716 was an example from the same die pair, graded AU-58.

It is not known when the 1795-dated half eagles with the Heraldic Eagle reverse were made, but a likely scenario is in 1797 or 1798, after the Small Eagle coinage was completed. Further establishment of an emission sequence will help pinpoint the time. Elsewhere in numismatics, the Heraldic Eagle motif made its debut on federal coinage with the 1796 quarter eagle, but it was hardly a new design at that time, having been adapted from the Great Seal of the United States, and used elsewhere (certain Washington pieces of 1791-1792 come to mind). The writer is engaged in a study of early gold coins in connection with the sylloge being prepared for the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation, and perhaps for an expanded "popular" text, as well as working with Dave Bowers on the gold coin book series. Already, much information has come to light, and doubtless there is more to be found.

Earlier die state than Lot 716 from Part II of the Bass Collection. The obverse has a light die crack through the cap and hair curls, very faintly past star 10 to the border at 10:30. Reverse has several thin die cracks towards 6:00, through ICA and tail feathers, claw holding branch, and arrows. An unfinished area is noted between the vertical shield stripes.

From Superior’s sale of the Gilhousen Collection, February 1973, Lot 329.

Outstanding 1798 Half Eagle

14 Reverse Stars

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290     1798 Breen-6427, B-2C. Rarity-6. 14 Stars. AU-55 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with a hint of orange patina. Moderate surface marks are noted. A well-centered example of this rare and popular variety. This is the third example from the Bass Collection to cross the auction block and only the 11th offering of this variety by our firm.

Die state equivalent to Lot 725 from Bass II. The reverse is cracked with considerable design detail missing due to lapping and polishing of the die.

This star count was a die cutting blunder, as by 1798 the number had been standardized at 13, representing the original colonies.

From Superior’s 1975 ANA Sale, Lot 1498.

Important 1799 Half Eagle

Small Reverse Stars

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291     1799 Breen-6435, B-3E. Rarity-4. Recut 9. MS-61 (PCGS). Lustrous greenish gold with slightly reflective fields and light cameo contrast. A few very minor marks are noted on both obverse and reverse. Half eagles of this coinage date are considerably scarcer than often recognized, as this is not a publicized rarity. Very few Mint State examples are known, possibly only 20 to 30 in all grades.

The obverse has a faint crack from border to left top of B, left base of same letter, through the cap and hair, to the border left of digit 1. Another minor crack from the border at 4:30 joins the drapery. Reverse has a short crack from the border to left side of A in STATES.

Mint State 1800 Half Eagle

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292     1800 Breen-6438, B-1D. Rarity-4. MS-62 (PCGS). A lovely example with bright yellow gold lustre and reflective fields, fully prooflike in nature. A few very minor hairlines are present. Sharply struck with considerable aesthetic appeal.

Two obverse dies exist, this with blunt 1 in date, and another with pointed 1. The latter is very rare. Half eagles of 1800 begin an era of higher populations. In addition to 37,628 half eagles coined in calendar year 1800, an additional 26,006 coins were coined in 1801. All 63,634 coins were likely dated either 1799 or 1800.

Light obverse clash marks are present. A minor obverse crack connects the right upright of I with bases of BER. Reverse die is perfect.

From Superior’s 1975 ANA Sale, Lot 1499.

Prooflike 1800 Half Eagle

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293     1800 Breen-6438, B-1D. Rarity-4. AU-58 (PCGS). Fully prooflike fields with light die striae. Moderate surface abrasions and hairline scratches are noted and were factored in by PCGS when assigning the grade. A pleasing candidate for the date or type collector, a coin with a lot of "life."

Light obverse clash marks are present. A minor obverse crack connects the right upright of I with bases of BER. The reverse has a short crack from border to top of R.

From Stack’s sale of the Scanlon Collection, October 1973, Lot 2250. Earlier from Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968.

Attractive 1800 Half Eagle

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294     1800 Breen-6438, B-1D. Rarity-4. AU-55. Frosty light yellow gold with a hint of reflective prooflike surfaces. Sharply struck with only very minor abrasions. The present sale offers three different 1800 half eagles, each from the same die pair.

Light obverse clash marks are present. A minor obverse crack connects the right upright of I with bases of BER. Perfect reverse.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, February 17, 1971.

Lovely 1802/1 Half Eagle

High Overdate

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295     1802/1 Breen-6440, B-2I. Rarity-4. High Overdate. MS-62 (PCGS). A delightful example of this overdate variety with brilliant, frosty greenish gold lustre and very pleasing surfaces for the grade. Very faint adjustment marks cross OF and the cloud below. Of all nine 1802/1 varieties, the total Mint State population is estimated at 55 to 85 coins. Only two obverse dies are known for the 1802/1 overdate coinage. The first is described as the Low Overdate, and is known in combination with five reverse dies. The second, offered here, is the High Overdate, known in combination with four reverse dies. Only one reverse die has been seen with both obverse dies.

Obverse clash marks are visible at Liberty’s ear. Reverse cracked through UNIT with moderate clash marks.

Purchased from Julian Leidman, February 3, 1973.

296     1802/1 Breen-6440, B-2I. Rarity-4. High Overdate. Net AU-50; sharpness of AU-58, lightly polished. Bright greenish yellow gold surfaces. A third 1802/1 half eagle offered in the present sale, all three from the same die combination.

Obverse clash marks are visible at Liberty’s ear. Reverse cracked through UNIT with light clash marks.

From Superior’s sale of the Charles Ruby Collection, Part I, February 1974, Lot 1789A.

Lustrous 1802/1 Half Eagle

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297     1802/1 Breen-6440, B-2I. Rarity-4. High Overdate. AU-50. Pleasing light greenish yellow gold with minor surface marks. Considerable lustre remains on obverse and reverse. A pleasing example of the High Overdate obverse.

Obverse has light clash marks. Reverse has a faint crack through UNIT.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of the John H. Beck Collection, Part II, February 1976, Lot 355.

Mint State 1803/2 Half Eagle

Broken T in LIBERTY

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298     1803/2 Breen-6441, B-1D. Rarity-4. Overdate. MS-62 (PCGS). A lovely Mint State example with frosty, lustrous orange-gold surfaces. Sharply struck with minimal abrasions. An attractive date or type collectors’ coin. Not a rarity. However, B-1D is quite scarce in Mint State with an estimated population of 80 to 120 coins, distributed across four known varieties.

Perfect obverse and reverse.

From Pine Tree’s sale of March 1974, Lot 144.

Desirable 1803/2 Half Eagle

Perfect T in LIBERTY

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299     1803/2 Breen-6441, B-2D. Rarity-4. Overdate. AU-55. Lustrous bright greenish gold with light surface marks. A few very minor rim bruises are noted. From the second overdate obverse, more common than once believed. When Walter Breen prepared his monographs, only one obverse die was identified, with or without a crack through the date. Eventually, it was rediscovered that two different overdate obverse dies exist, the second considered quite rare. It is now known that this second obverse is relatively common. Interestingly, in 1885 W. Elliot Woodward described 1803/2 half eagles from two different dies: "1803 No. 1 Die altered from 1802" and "1803 No. 2 Die altered from another 1802."

Obverse has a die crack through base of the date, lighter than generally seen, extending very faintly to left and right of date digits. Reverse lightly cracked from border through E of AMERICA to wing.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of the Shuford Collection, May 1968, Lot 1934.

Pleasing Mint State 1804 $5

Blundered Date

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300     1804 Breen-6442, B-1B. Rarity-5+. Small Over Large Date. MS-62 (PCGS). Sharply struck with reflective greenish gold lustre and wisps of deep coppery toning. A few minor abrasions are noted. When this obverse die was engraved, numeral punches intended for eagles were first used, then the die was lapped to remove as much of the erroneous 180 as possible, with new smaller numerals entered.

Perfect obverse. The reverse has two prominent die cracks. First, from bottom of O, crossing cloud 7, scroll, eagle’s wing and right shield border, to tip of leaf below. Second, from star 2, through stars 7 and 12, to scroll, left shield border, wing, and arrows. A few small rust lumps are noted.

From RARCOA’s sale of the Kaufman Collection, August 1978, Lot 788.

Lovely 1804 Half Eagle

Small Date

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301     1804 Breen-6443, B-3E. Small Date. AU-58. Bright yellow gold with slightly reflective obverse and reverse fields with very slight splashes of faint orange toning. Light to moderate surface marks are present on obverse and reverse. Similar quality to Lot 759 of Bass II.

The obverse has a crack from the border through star 10 to Liberty’s mouth, curving down through her cheek and hair, to digit 8 and the border. The reverse has a crack from the border at 3:00, through E of AMERICA, left wing, shield, right wing, and scroll, to border at 10:00. Die state similar to Bass II, Lot 760.

Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, April 13, 1972.

Delightful 1805 Half Eagle

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302     1805 Breen-6445, B-3D. Rarity-4. Close Date. MS-63 (PCGS). A lovely choice Mint State example with satiny greenish yellow gold lustre and few very minor abrasions. This is probably the most common of all 1805 half eagle die varieties. However, it is still only known to the extent of 100 to 150 coins.

Bisecting obverse crack from left foot of B, through bust, to digit 0 and border. Reverse has a rim break on U, along with a crack from the right top of N joining tops of ITE.

Purchased from Steve Ivy, August 28, 1978.

Pleasing 1805 Half Eagle

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303     1805 Breen-6445, B-3D. Rarity-4. Close Date. AU-58 (PCGS). Frosty greenish gold with nearly full lustre remaining on both obverse and reverse. A lovely example for the date or type collector.

Bisecting obverse crack from left foot of B, through bust, to digit 0 and border. Reverse has a rim break on U, along with a crack from the right top of N joining tops of ITE.

From Stack’s sale of the Miles Collection, October 1968, Lot 336.

Lustrous 1805 Half Eagle

Close Date

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304     1805 Breen-6445, B-3B. Rarity-4+. Close Date. AU-55. Light greenish yellow gold with minor surface abrasions. A pleasing example with considerable lustre. Slight central weakness, otherwise, all details are very sharp. Only two reverse dies are known for half eagles of 1805, Breen’s reverses B and D, with both offered in the present sale. The literature has described up to five different reverse descriptions for these two dies.

Bisecting obverse crack from left foot of B, through bust, to digit 0 and border. Light die rust is visible at LI.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of October 1969, Lot 425.

Important Mint State 1806 $5

Breen-3D Rarity

Scarce "Pointed 6" Style

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305     1806 Breen-6447, B-3D. Rarity-6+. Pointed 6, Stars 8X5. MS-63 (PCGS). A lovely example with deep orange-gold lustre and few minor surface marks. Some central weakness with sharp peripheral details. Three examples appeared in Bass II, Lots 771, 772, and 775. This example is finer than any of those, and may be finest known for this die marriage.

Obverse has a thin vertical die crack through cap and hair. Reverse has a retained cud over T of UNITED.

During more than three decades of collecting, Harry W. Bass, Jr., was given first chance at many items offered by private treaty, and, in addition, was an active participant either personally or through agents at just about every important sale containing gold coins. Early half eagles were among his favorites, and he often felt that if one piece was nice to own, two were nicer yet, and three were even more enjoyable. These furnished objects of study and comparison while at the same time were an excellent store of monetary value.

Regarding the half eagles of 1806, they have been divided into the "Pointed 6" and "Round Top 6" styles. This nomenclature does not do justice to the differences involved, as it indicates simply the style of a single numeral. Much more important is the basic arrangement of the stars on the obverse, which on the Pointed 6 is 8 to the left, and 5 to the right, while on the Round Top 6 the stars are 7 to the left and 6 to the right. Of the two styles, the variety with 8X5 stars–the Pointed 6–is by far the more elusive, this being especially true in high grades. Some of the largest "name" collections offered during the past century have lacked an example in Mint State.

Purchased from A-Mark, March 16, 1978.

Pleasing 1806 Half Eagle

Round Top 6

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306     1806 Breen-6448, B-5E. Rarity-3-. Round Top 6, Stars 7X6. AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous greenish gold with a hint of orange patina. Considerable central weakness, especially on the reverse. Surfaces have a few minor marks and light scratches.

Perfect obverse. Minor reverse clash marks and a crack through left upright of N, cross arrows. This is very faint.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of January 1975, Lot 360.

Lustrous 1806 Half Eagle

Round Top 6

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307     1806 Breen-6448, B-5E. Rarity-3-. Round Top 6, Stars 7X6. AU-58 (PCGS). Bright yellow gold with a hint of green. Nearly complete lustre remains, with only a few very minor imperfections. Clearly the most available variety among Draped Bust half eagles. However, in the general context of American coins, a specimen of which a few hundred pieces are known is rare on an absolute basis.

Faint reverse clash marks only.

Regarding the pedigree, John Beck was one of the most active buyers of gold coins from about the 1890s until the early 1920s. A Pittsburgh industrialist, Beck spent his free time collecting many different interesting things, somewhat reminiscent of Col. Mendes I. Cohen. Similar to Harry W. Bass, Jr., Beck enjoyed acquiring pieces in multiples. Perhaps he was the successor to Thomas Cleneay, the Cincinnati collector whose coins were sold at auction in 1890, who also enjoyed quantities and groups. In Beck’s own era, Virgil M. Brand, the Chicago brewer, was a coin hoarder, and to a lesser extent George H. Earle, a Philadelphia banker, did likewise. Each of these individuals or their estates or heirs came to realize that placing money in gold coins was one of the best possible investments that could have been made.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of the John Beck Collection, Part II, February 1976, Lot 369.

Important 1807 Draped Bust $5

Late Die State

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308     1807 Breen-6449, B-1A. Rarity-5. Bust Right. AU-58. Frosty light yellow gold with nearly complete lustre. Minor abrasions and scratches are noted. A pleasing example of this rarity, among the finer known.

The obverse has extensive faint clash marks. A series of fine die cracks joins LIBERTY and the border. The reverse has several small die cracks, clash marks, and a rim break over T in UNITED.

Lustrous Mint State 1807 $5

Capped Bust

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309     1807 Breen-6453, B-5D. Rarity-3. Bust Left. MS-61 (PCGS). This lovely example of John Reich’s Capped Bust design has lustrous, frosty light yellow gold surfaces. This was one of Reich’s very first coinage projects, as he was hired by the Mint this very same year. Use this example to start a date set of Capped Bust half eagles. In fact, four of the six dates from 1807 to 1812 are included in the present sale, each an attractive Mint State coin.

Very light clash marks are only visible on the obverse.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of the John Beck Collection, Part II, February 1976, Lot 380.

Choice Mint State 1810 Half Eagle

Large Date, Large 5

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310     1810 Breen-6459, B-1A. Rarity-3. Large Date, Large 5. MS-64 (PCGS). A lovely, sharply struck example with frosty deep yellow gold lustre. Very pleasing surfaces with only a few microscopic marks. An outstanding example of this popular variety, clearly the most available of this coinage date. Truly a coin for the connoisseur.

Perfect dies.

From Superior’s sale of the Charles Ruby Collection, February 1975, Lot 1153.

Choice Mint State 1811 $5

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311     1811 Breen-6463, B-1A. Rarity-4. Tall 5. MS-63 (PCGS). Soft frosty greenish yellow gold with a hint of pale orange patina. Minor surface marks are noted. Two varieties of 1811 half eagle are known, the other simply described as Small 5. This Tall 5 variety has the bottom edge of 5 joined to the border. The Small 5 reverse has clear separation between the bottom curve of 5 and border.

A short die crack joins the outer points of stars 9 and 10.

From Superior’s sale of the Charles Ruby Collection, February 1975, Lot 1154.

Lovely Mint State 1812 $5

Wide Denomination

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312     1812 Breen-6466, B-1B. Rarity-3+. Wide 5D. MS-64 (PCGS). Brilliant, frosty yellow gold lustre with very few surface marks or abrasions. Sharply struck except for very minor central weakness. This is a relatively available variety, however, still a rarity in choice Mint State grades.

A short die crack from the border passes left of the first A in AMERICA to the wing.

The N.M. Kaufman Collection was last added to in 1927, after which it was displayed for a long period of years in a bank board room in Marquette, Michigan. Harry X Boosel, the Chicago collector, had an entrée into the situation, and in the 1970s acted as an intermediary, placing the collection with RARCOA, which held a highly successful sale. The pieces, generally not accompanied by pedigrees (it was unfortunate that they were not retained), was a numismatic time warp–pieces that had last changed hands over a half century earlier again came on the market.

From RARCOA’s sale of the Kaufman Collection, August 1978, Lot 802.

Pleasing Mint State 1818 Half Eagle

STATESOF Reverse

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313     1818 Breen-6470, B-2B. Rarity-4. STATESOF. MS-62 (PCGS). Satiny light greenish gold with a few light abrasions noted, along with very faint lines across Liberty’s cheek.

Obverse bisected by a crack from border through star 6 and the bust, to final 8 and lower border. Reverse appears perfect.

From our sale of the Fairfield Collection, October 1977, Lot 1765.

Scarce 1818 Half Eagle

Normal Reverse

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314     1818 Breen-6471, B-1A. Rarity-5. Normal Reverse. Net EF-40; sharpness of AU-58, cleaned with an abrasive and heavily hairlined. Greenish gold surfaces with very few other imperfections. This is one of three distinct reverse dies used for the coinage of 1818 half eagles. Described as Normal Reverse to distinguish this from the other two reverse dies, each of which has a blunder. A second die has the words STATESOF crowded together while a third has the denomination, 5D, cut over 50.

The obverse has light to moderate clash marks. The reverse has a crack from the border left of digit 5, to the eagle, continuing through the eagle to scroll below S. Another crack connects the bases of all letters in AMERIC to D in denomination.

Purchased from Jack Klausen, August 30, 1972.

Mint State 1820 Half Eagle

Curl Base 2, Large Letters

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315     1820 Breen-6477, B-6C. Rarity-5+. Curl Base 2, Large Letters. MS-61 (PCGS). Reflective greenish gold, the surfaces moderately abraded and hairlined. Three major design groups occur with half eagles of this date, the others are Curl Base 2, Small Letters, and Square Base 2. These formed a basis for an expanded group of interlocking die varieties, some of which are quite fascinating.

Faint obverse clash marks.

From Paramount’s sale of May 1976, Lot 1077.

Choice 1834 Half Eagle

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316     1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-63 (PCGS). Sharply struck with brilliant yellow gold lustre. A splash of coppery orange toning is in the left obverse field. Although this is not a rare variety in worn grades, this die combination is seldom seen in Mint State.

McCloskey-3B. Perfect dies.

Until the implementation of the Act of June 28, 1834, gold coins had not circulated at par in the United States since the early 1820s. Instead, nearly all were struck to the order of bullion depositors who primarily used them in the export trade. Certain Treasury Department documents register complaints in this regard, noting that the Philadelphia Mint was but a convenience for merchants, and did little to serve the American public. Interestingly, gold coins were not produced at a profit, but were simply provided at a nominal coinage and processing charge. In contrast, copper coins were a "profit center" and paid many expenses.

After the new legislation was passed, with an implementation date of August 1, 1834, half eagles and quarter eagles were struck at a new lower authorized weight, after which they readily circulated at face value and became an important part of American commerce–this situation lasting through the eve of the Civil War. Thus, coins of the Classic Head style minted beginning in 1834 are often encountered today in worn grades, while half eagles of the 1820s and 1830s, when found at all, are usually in higher levels of preservation such as AU and Mint State.

Mike Kirzner was active in the Boston numismatic scene and had an upstairs office on Bromfield Street, in an area in which several coin dealers were located only a few steps away from each other.

Purchased from Mike Kirzner, August 11, 1971.

Prooflike 1834 Half Eagle

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317     1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-61 (PCGS). Fully prooflike with cameo contrast. Sharply struck with greenish gold fields and very faint orange toning. Possibly struck as a Proof and from the same dies as several Proofs known.

McCloskey-1A. Perfect dies.

The delineation between circulation strikes struck from Proof dies and pieces actually intended to be presentation coins is blurred, and over the years there have been certain pieces that have been called one way or the other interchangeably.

Purchased from Fred Sweeney.

318     1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-58. Light yellow gold lustre with slightly reflective surfaces. Faint orange toning with a few minor hairlines and other marks. A few reverse rim nicks are noted. An important opportunity for the specialist, or for the date or type collector.

McCloskey-3B. Perfect dies.

From Stack’s 1971 ANA Sale, Lot 2141.

319     1834 Breen-6501. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-53. Brilliant and lustrous greenish gold with moderately abraded surfaces.

McCloskey-1A. Several small cracks from rim to rim pass through stars 4, 5, and 6.

For a long time Dan Messer was associated with Bob Jenove in the operation of the Franklin Square Coin Company located not far from New York City. Jenove was an advertising executive. Later, the arrangement was dissolved, and Messer joined with Joel Coen to form the Coen-Messer Company in New York City, which continued to do much business.

Purchased from Dan Messer, August 16, 1971.

Group of Varied $5 Issues 1834-1895

320     Selection of half eagles grading EF-40: I 1834 No Motto I 1836 (2) I 1840 Narrow Mill I 1843 I 1844-O I 1848 I 1895-S. (Total: 8 pieces)

Choice Mint State 1834 $5

Classic Head Style

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321     1834 Breen-6502. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. MS-64 (PCGS). Slightly reflective light yellow gold surfaces with full lustre. A splash of brown toning is at stars 12 and 13. Central obverse weakness is typical of this design. A few minor marks are noted. Quality similar to Bass II, Lot 832.

McCloskey-2A. A common variety. Perfect dies.

Purchased from William Fox Steinberg, August 16, 1971.

322     1834 Breen-6502. Classic Head. No Motto, Plain 4. AU-50. Granular with dull yellow surfaces. We suggest in-person examination prior to bidding on this lot.

McCloskey-2C. Cracked through the bases of NITED.

Purchased from Mike Kirzner, October 27, 1971.

Nice $5 Group 1834-1850

323     Grouping of half eagles grading EF-45: I 1834 No Motto, Recut 4 I 1835 I 1836 I 1844 I 1844-O I 1847 I 1850. Each displays attractive surfaces. (Total: 7 pieces)

Pleasing 1835 Half Eagle

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324     1835 Breen-6504. MS-60. Frosty light yellow gold surfaces with sharp design details and light abrasions. A pleasing example from the famous Garrett Collection. An ideal candidate for the date or type collector.

McCloskey-2D. A common variety. Perfect dies.

From Stack’s sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1976, Lot 368.

325     1835 Breen-6504. AU-58. Sharply struck in greenish gold with light hairlines.

McCloskey-2D. Perfect dies.

Not only does the present section of the catalogue afford the opportunity for the specialist to acquire interesting die combinations, but in a broader sense, the type collector can take advantage of an offering of many high quality examples. In general, a coin from the Bass Collection tends to be nicer overall than seen elsewhere.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1169.

326     1835 Breen-6504. AU-50. Slightly reflective greenish gold with moderate marks.

McCloskey-2C. Light obverse clash marks.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, July 31, 1967.

327     1835 Breen-6504. AU-50. Greenish gold with light hairlines from an old cleaning. Sharply struck with minor surface marks.

McCloskey-2C. A scarce variety. Light clash marks at central obverse.

Purchased from Se Ro Coins, March 10, 1969.

328     1835 Breen-6505. AU-55. Satiny yellow gold surfaces with sharp design details. Minor hairlines and other very light marks.

McCloskey-3D. One of the more readily available varieties. Light clash marks. First S is filled at top.

Purchased from the Goliad Corporation, June 1974.

329     1835 Breen-6505. AU-50. Greenish gold surfaces with a few minor marks and rim nicks.

McCloskey-3D. Perfect dies.

From Stack’s sale of April 1967, Lot 1646.

Prooflike 1836 Half Eagle

Possibly a Proof

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330     1836 Breen-6507. MS-62 (PCGS). Sharply struck and fully prooflike with moderate marks. An attractive example and very possibly struck as a Proof although from different dies than the Pittman Proof and the two other known 1836 Proof half eagles.

McCloskey-1A. Perfect dies.

Obverse and reverse with full prooflike surface, struck from polished dies, but whether intended as a Proof is not known. On the obverse the die polish extends within recessed areas, including the interior loop of the bottom curl, between the buns in the top curls, between the star points, in the interior of the date numerals, etc. On the reverse the same is true, with prooflike surface within the letter openings (even within the tops of each A), fully within the shield stripes, between the arrowheads, etc. It will probably never be determined what the intention of striking was, but the overall aspect is considerably different than a circulation strike.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 839, there described as Brilliant Uncirculated, prooflike.

331     1836 Breen-6508. AU-55. An attractive example in greenish gold with faint orange patina. Moderately abraded surfaces as would be expected at this grade level.

McCloskey-5D. Perfect dies.

From RARCOA’s 1970 ANA Sale, Lot 1525.

Lustrous 1836 Half Eagle

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332     1836 Breen-6509. MS-60. Sharply struck and attractive with brilliant greenish gold surfaces and light marks. This is a common variety in worn grades, very few Mint State examples survive.

McCloskey-4D. Perfect dies.

In Harry Bass’ notes he made the indication: "Proof? Impaired."

Purchased from Stezer, March 10, 1969.

Lovely 1836 Half Eagle

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333     1836 Breen-6509. MS-60. Lustrous deep yellow gold surfaces with sharp design details. An attractive example of this design, suited for the date or type collector.

McCloskey-6E. A relatively plentiful variety. Cracked from a dentil between 83, to the curl left of the ear.

Purchased from Stack’s, July 1971.

334     1836 Breen-6509. AU-50. Attractive greenish gold surfaces with light hairlines and moderate marks.

McCloskey-2B. A rare variety. Cracked from the border through digit 6, low curl, T, and star 8.

From Superior’s sale of the Gilhousen Collection, February 1973, Lot 364.

335     1836 Breen-6509. AU-50. Dull yellow surfaces, probably a result of "seawater" storage, or more appropriately from the effects of sand movement in the ocean. Rough surfaces with moderate marks.

McCloskey-4C. Perfect dies.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of September 1967, Lot 730.

336     Selection of Classic and Liberty Head half eagles: I 1836 VF-35 I 1844-O VF-35 I 1847 VF-25 I 1849 Doubled 49. VF-35 I 1873-S Closed 3. VF-20 I 1877-S VF-35 I 1886-S F-12 I 1887-S VF-30 I 1902-S VF-35. (Total: 9 pieces)

Important 1837 Half Eagle

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337     1837 Breen-6512. Large Date. MS-62. Sharply struck with light greenish gold surfaces. Attractive despite very minor marks. This issue is much scarcer than the earlier date Classic Head half eagles, and is a rarity in Mint State. Aside from the gem example in Part II of the Bass Collection, and a nearly gem example from the Pittman Collection, all other 1837 half eagles recently offered have been, at best, very low quality Mint State or circulated grades.

McCloskey-2B. Perfect dies.

From Lester Merkin’s sale of April 1970, Lot 727.

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338     1837 Breen-6513. Small Date. AU-55. Light yellow gold with a hint of green. Moderate surface marks are noted. A pleasing example of this scarce date.

McCloskey-3C. Perfect dies.

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

Choice Mint State 1838 Half Eagle

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339     1838 Breen-6514. Large Arrows, Small 5. MS-63 (PCGS). Lovely satin green surfaces are slightly reflective. Minor hairlines are visible. An important opportunity for the specialist, as choice Mint State 1838 half eagles only appear on the market infrequently. Aside from two gems in Part II of the Bass Collection, only four similar quality examples have appeared on the market in the past decade. It is important to remember that Harry W. Bass, Jr. spent three decades in assembling the coins that are now offered within a space of a year on the market–compressing the time-availability scale and creating many remarkable opportunities.

McCloskey-1A. Very faint reverse clash marks.

From Coin Galleries’ sale of November 1974, Lot 554.

Lustrous 1838-C Half Eagle

First Charlotte Mint Coinage

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340     1838-C Breen-6517. Normal 5. AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with a hint of green. Minor marks are present. This is the first Charlotte Mint half eagle, from the very first year of operation at the North Carolina mint. Of additional importance as the only Charlotte Mint coin featuring the Classic Head design. Only two finer examples were listed by Doug Winter in his reference Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint. One of those was the Bass coin offered in Part II, the other in the North Georgia Collection.

McCloskey-1A. Perfect dies.

From Abner Kreisberg’s sale of September 1973, Lot 1171.

Rare 1838-D Half Eagle

First Dahlonega Mint Issue

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341     1838-D Breen-6518. Recut Date. AU-58 (PCGS). Lustrous light yellow gold with sharp design details. Minor surface marks are visible. Similar in stature to the 1838-C half eagle just offered, this is from the first year of operation at the Georgia mint, and is the only Classic Head half eagle from this mint. Among the top 10 examples known.

McCloskey-1A. Perfect dies.

From Stack’s sale of the DiBello Collection, May 1970, Lot 843.

Outstanding 1839 Half Eagle

First Coronet Head Issue

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342     1839 Breen-6519. MS-63 (PCGS). Sharply struck with brilliant, frosty yellow gold lustre. A few very minor hairlines and other abrasions are present. This is an exceptional example of our first Liberty or Coronet Head half eagle. Only three or four comparable or finer examples of this issue are known, among possibly a dozen Mint State examples in all grade levels. This is a simply incredible opportunity for the type collector.

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

Two prominent raised rust marks or die chips are visible on Miss Liberty’s neck. This is an early die state with the curve and knob of digit 9 connected by a light die line. Considerable fine die polish is visible behind the letters LIBERTY. The F in OF and the F in FIVE are each lightly doubled along the vertical edge of the crossbar. Diagonal die polish is noted around the eagle.

Purchased from Abner Kreisberg, September 1, 1975.

Lustrous 1840 Half Eagle

Broad Mill

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343     1840 Broad Mill. AU-58. A wonderful example of the Broad Mill variety, this with bright greenish yellow gold lustre and only a few very minor imperfections. The reverse has small rim bruises at 12:00 and 3:00. The surfaces are very slightly reflective.

Broad Mill: 22.4 mm. 140 edge reeds.

Perfect dies.

Purchased from James A. Hayes, October 1972.

Pleasing 1840 Broad Mill $5

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344     1840 Broad Mill. AU-55. Very light yellow gold with reflective, satiny lustre in the protected areas next to design details. The fields are slightly abraded.

Broad Mill: 22.4 mm. 140 edge reeds.

Perfect dies.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of November 1968, Lot 841.

Mint State 1840 Half Eagle

Narrow Mill Variety

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345     1840 Narrow Mill. MS-60. Lustrous light greenish yellow gold with sharp design definition. Lovely satin lustre with only a few very minor surface marks, hairlines, and other imperfections. Narrow Mill variety, with planchet diameter just 21.8 mm. The other variety, the Wide Mill or Broad Mill, has a diameter approximately 22.5 mm.

Very nearly perfect dies.

Among seven non-certified half eagles dated 1840, from three different mints, in the present sale, five different diameters are represented. This example is 21.8 mm. Others in the sale are 21.9 mm., 22.0 mm., 22.2 mm., and 22.4 mm. These certainly represent different collars. This coin was struck with a collar containing 104 edge reeds.

It would be interesting to explore the possibility that collars were made at the branch mints, these in addition to collars that seem to have been shipped from Philadelphia. Under our earlier offering of the 1841 quarter eagle note was made of different reeding styles at different mintage locations.

From Stack’s sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1976, Lot 372.

346     1840 Narrow Mill. AU-58. Lustrous light yellow gold with moderately abraded surfaces. Sharply struck, although with very slight weakness of definition on certain high points of the design.

Narrow Mill: 21.9 mm. 104 edge reeds.

The reverse has a die crack from the border at 4:00 through left side of I in AMERICA, upper two arrows, eagle’s body and head, continuing very faintly to second T in STATES to the border at 11:30.

Purchased from Lester Merkin, June 26, 1967.

347     1840 Narrow Mill. AU-55. A pleasing example with light yellow gold and very faint traces of orange toning. Perhaps very lightly cleaned at one time with minor hairlines, hardly worth mentioning. Hair curls below BER are weak, as are eagle’s details opposite this point.

Narrow Mill: 21.9 mm. 104 reeds.

Perfect dies.

From RARCOA’s 1970 ANA Sale, Lot 1532.

Impressive 1840-C Half Eagle

New Die Discovery

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348     1840-C 18 in Dentils, Broad Mill. AU-55 (PCGS). Broad Mill variety as always seen. Sharply defined obverse with very slight weakness on the eagle’s neck, claws, and arrows. Rich yellow gold lustre with a hint of green. Minor surface marks are noted, none serious. Probably one of the five or six finest known examples.

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

Broad Mill: 22.1 mm. None have been recorded with Narrow Mill.

Obverse has very tops of digits 18 visible in the dentils below and right of final position. This variety was attributed by Frank Van Valen, of our staff. Obverse variety not mentioned by Doug Winter in his reference.

The obverse has an unpublished misplaced date with the very tops of the digits 18 visible in the dentils below and to the right of the final position. The curious feature, which is not reflected in Harry Bass’ notes, was identified by Frank Van Valen of our staff while working with this specimen. As sometimes happens, it developed that another was found immediately–the next lot

Late die state with a crack from the border through I in AMERICA to tip of the middle arrowhead.

The regular date logotype is punched very deeply into the die, as is the case on many instances throughout Charlotte and Dahlonega coinages–leading to speculation by the editor (QDB) that such dies may have been made with deeper, stronger features for shipment to branch mints, as they were more apt to undergo relapping at those distant locations. On the other hand, at Philadelphia new dies could be procured on short notice if there was a problem–there was no need to keep old dies in service beyond a certain point.

From Stack’s sale of the Garrett Collection, March 1976, Lot 373.

Duplicate 1840-C Half Eagle

Misplaced Date Variety

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349     1840-C 18 in Dentil, Broad Mill. EF-40. Light greenish yellow gold with moderately abraded surfaces. Although a lesser example than that offered in the previous lot, this is still far above average when all survivors are considered. Doug Winter considers this issue the second rarest of 24 Charlotte half eagle issues.

Broad Mill: 22.1 mm. 103 edge reeds.

From same obverse die as previous lot, however, the reverse is different.

From Stack’s sale of February 1968, Lot 270.

Important 1840-D Half Eagle

Struck on June 10, 1840

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350     1840-D Tall Mintmark. AU-55 (PCGS). This delightful half eagle has brilliant deep yellow gold lustre with a hint of delicate green. Very light surface marks are present, however, these do not distract the viewer. This is certainly one of the finer known survivors from a mintage of 22,896 coins. This coin is slightly turned in the holder, giving the illusion that it was struck from a reverse die oriented about 150°, or about 30° short of a 180° normal alignment. Normally, we would mention a situation just in passing, but in this instance it is an important consideration, assigning a day of striking to this particular piece (see notes below). Doug Winter noted that this issue is scarce and underappreciated.

Narrow Mill: 21.8 mm.

The obverse has a small raised spur, or die defect, at the border by star 13. Several raised, curved die lines are on the head of Liberty. A very faint die crack connects the southeast point of star 1 and bust tip.

Certain 1840-D half eagles, including the specimen now offered, from a rotated reverse die, are known to have been struck on the specific day of June 10, 1840. This knowledge is the result of an exchange between Dahlonega Mint Superintendent Joseph J. Singleton and Director of the Mint Robert Maskell Patterson. Singleton noted that half eagles struck on June 10, 1840 did not have the head of Liberty opposite the eagle’s tail. This was the result of "the turning of the lower die." Maskell ordered the coins released and recommended that Singleton, and his workmen, be more careful in the future.

Recently, John Dannruther has reclassified the nomenclature for Dahlonega half eagles. Previously, this mintmark has been called either Medium or Large. There already are other mintmarks with those designations, so the Tall designation has been adopted for this style mintmark.

From Superior’s sale of the Dr. Charles Ruby Collection, Part 3, February 1975, Lot 1164.

Delightful 1840-O Half Eagle

From the Eliasberg Collection

"Railroad Rim"

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351     1840-O Small Mintmark. MS-61 (PCGS). This is a partial collar striking, sometimes known as a "railroad rim" error. At the time this coin was struck, the collar only covered a portion of the planchet circumference. Therefore, around the entire coin, the edge is partially reeded and partially plain. Brilliant yellow gold lustre with extremely sharp design details and delightful surfaces, with only a few scattered marks. Although PCGS lists seven Mint State examples in its Population Report, we suspect that this may represent only three or four different coins. This is only the sixth Mint State 1840-O auction listing of the past decade.

PCGS Population: 3; 4 finer (MS-62 finest).

This has the diameter of a Broad Mill coin on the portion of plain edge, however, it was probably struck at the Narrow Mill standard.

Raised die lines are between the border and STATES. A faint clash mark connects the wing and lower beak.

From our sale of the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, October 1982, Lot 415.

352     1840-O Large Mintmark. AU-50. In any other sale, we would describe this as an important opportunity to acquire a rarity that only occasionally appears on the market.

Narrow Mill: 22.0 mm. Actually between the standard diameters for narrow and broad mill. 105 edge reeds.

Faint clash marks are visible on the reverse.

New Orleans Mint half eagles of this era were used intensively in circulation, with not a single piece saved at the time of issue for numismatic purposes–not even the Mint Cabinet (formed in June 1838) desired to have an example. In time, such varieties as the 1840-O wore down to grades we now know as VF, occasionally EF, but only rarely AU. The Bass Collection affords opportunities to acquire any number of different high level EF, AU, and even Mint State half eagles of the 1840s and 1850s–grades seldom encountered. Moreover, it is usually the case that if Harry W. Bass, Jr., purchased a coin there was something special about it–it either had an above average eye appeal, or had some interesting die characteristics such as cracks, repunchings, or something else that contributed to the fascination of its ownership.

From Abner Kreisberg’s "Quality Sale" of September 1971, Lot 1031.

Choice Mint State 1841 $5

Low-Mintage Issue

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353     1841 MS-64 (PCGS). Just 15,833 were struck with not more than 20 Mint State examples known, this tied for finest certified by PCGS. Frosty and brilliant yellow gold lustre with very slightly reflective fields. A few scattered surface marks are noted. Very sharply struck obverse and reverse. Although not as rare as earlier issues, this is an elusive date in Mint State with the present example among the finest in existence. Similar in overall quality to the example in Part II of the Bass Collection, Lot 895.

PCGS Population: 8; none finer.

The lower points of star 7 are very slightly recut. Very fine vertical striae are noted on the reverse. Otherwise, perfect dies.

A "small hoard" of these was uncovered in 1953, according to Walter Breen, who in his Encyclopedia failed to record any further details. If any present readers have information concerning this or any other gold hoards, especially those that are not published, the editor would appreciate learning more. The "reward" will be great appreciation plus a credit line in the new series of gold coin books.

Purchased from Dan Messer, August 16, 1971.

354     1841 EF-45. Light greenish gold with abraded surfaces. Very faint traces of orange patina are visible. An opportunity for the date collector. This issue is much scarcer than generally believed.

Perfect dies.

From Abe Kosoff’s sale of November 1968, Lot 843.

Prooflike 1841-C Half Eagle

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355     1841-C AU-55 (PCGS). Sharply struck with fully prooflike yellow gold surfaces. This is an extremely attractive example, especially given the assigned grade. Light hairlines suggest this may have been cleaned in the past, however, such a situation is hardly unusual for these early rarities. In terms of Charlotte Mint half eagles, this issue is middle of the road for rarity, ranking 11th out of 24 different varieties, according to Doug Winter.

Broad Mill: 22.2 mm. The Broad Mill format continued through 1843 at the Charlotte Mint, although abandoned at other mints after 1840. Very slight doubling is noted on most letters on the reverse.

Die striae from the die preparation process, plus some normal light hairlines acquired after the piece was made (thereby placing it in the AU-55 category rather than Mint State)–an interesting piece to view under magnification.

Purchased from Stanley Kesselman, April 4, 1968.