Lot 3277
1798 $5 Capped Bust. Large eagle, large 8, 14 stars. NGC graded AU-53. BD-3. Lightly toned and lustrous with attractive original color, attractive original surfaces. Scarce variety. Die diagnostics for BD-3 include a Large 8 in the date that touches the bust, with the 8 above the 9 (the only obverse used with this unusual reverse); the 14 star reverse is unique among varieties of 1798 and occurs only on BD3. The noted gold scholar, Harry Bass, was so enamored with this unusual die variety that he owned four examples in various die states! There are numerous early gold varieties, particularly half eagles, where the situation of die states is difficult to pin down from the brief descriptions or blurry photographs. Pop 2; 2 in 55; 6 in 58; 1 in 60: Only 12 graded in total at NGC. (PCGS # 8080) .
On this distinctive variety the large 8 touches the bust, with the 8 above the 9 (the only obverseused with this unusual reverse). The 14-star reverse is key. The coin is scarce, with only about three dozen examples reported.This obverse was paired with another everse, creating the next variety, BD-4, suggesting an early failure of the 14-star reverse die, since the obverse is still in perfect condition for the second pairing.
Estimated Value $19,000 - 21,000.
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| Realized $27,600 |
