Lot 2053
1834. No motto. PCGS graded MS-63+. Well struck with dazzling golden sunset toning. A Premium Quality example for the grade. Quarter eagles and half eagles of the Classic Head type, from dies by William Kneass, were made their appearance in 1834 and with that date, and made their début in circulation in August. They were struck under the auspices of the Mint Act of June 28, 1834, sponsored by Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton. Until that time (August 1834) no gold coins other than private Bechtler pieces had been in American circulation since the very early 1820s, and the sight of them must have been unfamiliar to just about everyone.
A specimen of the new Type whose eye-popping beauty shows that the present piece is well struck on the obverse and reverse, offers excellent clarity in the stars, full dentils, and is attractive in all respects. The luster is bold as any seen in MS63. Among gold coins of the William Kneass design, few are rarities in the normal sense. All the same, this is one of the choicer graded and also a resplendent pick for a Type Set that we have seen in some while. A few small scattered marks are seen upon close inspection. Pop 1; 35 in 64, 5 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 7692) .
Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000.
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| Realized $8,913 |
