Lot 1783
1834. Plain 4. PCGS graded MS-63. Lovely golden toning reflective surfaces. A solid MS63 in all regards. The lustrous surfaces are alight with sizzling golden luster, the strike is clear-cut with the only diminution being some hair curls at Liberty’s temple, and the eye appeal is nothing short of exceptional. All stars are bold; the eagle displays full, radiant and glowing plumage including the (often weak) neck feathers. First year of William Kneass’s new style.
Congress passed the Mint Act of June 28, 1834, reducing the weight of all gold coins. As soon as it became apparent that this bill had a good chance of passage, the 24,568 half eagles of the old tenor standard With Motto held in the Mint since manufacture, May 30, went back to the Melter and Refiner. Anticipating floods of old-tenor (1795-1834 heavier-standard) gold for recoinage, Mint Director Samuel Moore ordered Engraver William Kneass to prepare new dies in quantity. Instead of following the original congressional recommendation to distinguish the new dies by adding AUGUST 1, 1834 to the date, Moore ordered Kneass to redesign them omitting the Great Seal's motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM.
The anticipated flood of older coins did materialize, explains the Breen Encyclopedia, "it has been estimated that over 99% of the original pre-1834 mintage was melted, 1834-43, much of it being turned into Classic Head half eagles." Pop 40; 43 finer, 38 in 64, 2 in 64+, 2 in 65, 1 in 66. (PCGS # 8171) .
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
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| Realized $15,863 |
