Lot 1771
1812 BD-1 Rarity 3. PCGS graded MS-64. Wide 5 D variety, and one of only two die pairings used to strike this year's mintage. Mostly well struck on a problem free planchet and sparkling with frosty mint luster. Hints of delicate rose color toning hugs portions of the borders. A high condition example, with realitively few finer graded by PCGS. Extremely well struck on the obverse, in fact definitive in this regard; the reverse strike is crisp in most areas near the rim, though some lack of detail may be noted at the eagle. Highly lustrous, and very desirable. An exceptional example from the standpoint of striking, luster, and eye appeal. As such this is not an ordinary MS64 1812 Half Eagle, but is special. Pop 41; 7 finer, 1 in 64+, 5 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 8112) .
Die Notes: Approximately 300 to 450 known, indicating Rarity-3 level. This is by far the most common of the two varieties of 1812; the wealthy numismatic scholar and researcher, Harry Bass owned four examples of this combination! The only time this reverse is used, 5 and D strangely separated, as the D is about centered between the 5 and the last A of AMERICA. On the Close 5D that is paired with this obverse to create the second (and last) variety of this type, they are normally spaced.
There also are two curious die lanes seen on the reverse of many coins of this variety (and visible here). They may be graver's marks or some other "injury" to the die. One begins at the rim about two o'clock, passes to the left of A(MERICA), and ends in the wing. The other is curved through the horizontal shield lines and ends in the left wing.
Estimated Value $25,000 - 30,000.
The Del Valle Collection.
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| Realized $37,600 |
