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Sale 78
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Lot 1778
1823 BD-1 Rarity 4+. PCGS graded MS-63. CAC Approved. Well struck on a problem free planchet in greenish color gold. The lustrous surfaces exhibit natural mint bloom and hues of antique golden-rose overtones. Only 14,485 minted. A decidedly superior Liberty and eagle is the sharp blow from the dies leaving behind frostier high points than usual along with similar billowing mint frost in the field on this handsome gold coin. One of the few survivors after 95% to 97% of the original mintage was exported or melted. We note no signs of adjustment or carbon spotting, all is bright and fresh. A few scattered hairlines on both sides, always seen on the delicate lustrous surfaces. There are a couple of small marks, these will confirm the choice MS63 grade of this coin. Only a single die pair was used in 1823. The coins of this type, especially dates from 1820 to 1827, are considered rare. Locating even a low-end Mint State example can take years of persistent searching. An important coin that will no doubt feature high in any collection it graces. To quote the cataloguing expertise of Q. David Bowers during his landmark work on the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, "on an absolute basis, very few 1823 half eagles exist, and no doubt a survey of leading dealers would reveal that many if not most have never handled even a single specimen in any grade." This particular piece carries appeal far surpassing the meager words we write about it. Pop 5; 7 finer, 1 in 63+, 5 in 64, 1 in 65 (PCGS # 8131) .
Historical note: On December 2, 1823, in his annual message to Congress, President James Monroe outlined a policy on foreign intervention. It wasn't until 30 years later that this document became known as the Monroe Doctrine. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, is credited with having created this policy. An entry in his diary for November 7, 1823, tells of a meeting with John C. Calhoun and Samuel Southard on the subject of British proposals to join them in issuing a warning to the Holy Alliance (Russia, Austria, Spain, and France) against aggression in the Americas.
Estimated Value $35,000 - 40,000.
Ex: Purchased from Abner Kreisberg in the 1970's The Del Valle Collection.
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| Realized $70,500 |
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