Lot 1456
1835 $5 Classic Head. NGC graded MS-63 Block 8 in date. Well struck. Both sides are soaked in vivid bright golden iridescence that accents the ample remaining luster. Clear-cut devices point to it having been giving a full strike by the dies, with the dies themselves showing traces of having clashed at one time. There is a ghost image of the reverse shield lines around Liberty's ear on the obverse. An impressive looking specimen that should delight the numismatist. Pop 14; 16 finer in 64. (PCGS # 8173) .
To permit America's gold coins to circulate at par -- which they had not done since 1815 -- Congress reduced the authorized weight of the various denominations through the Act of June 28, 1834. On August 2, 1834, the new standard went into effect. For the quarter eagle the weight was reduced from 8.75 grams to 8.36 grams.
To readily distinguish the new coins from the old, modified designs were introduced. Chief Engraver William Kneass created what we call the Classic Head today. The head of Liberty faces left, her hair secured by a band inscribed LIBERTY in raised letters, 13 stars circling her head, and with the date below.
The reverse depicts an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 5 D. surrounds. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, used on half eagles since 1795, was omitted.
Mintage quantities were large in the first several years of the coinage span, with the high-water mark being 1834.
Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000.
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| Realized $8,338 |
