Lot 1632
$5 Gold Liberty. 1855. PCGS graded MS-64. A breathtaking example of this elusive No Motto half eagle. The most perfecet and original yellow gold coloration that one could hope for. Swirling luster that is almost completely uninterrupted across both obverse and reverse. Razor sharp stars, lettering and devices. Liberty's device is immaculate and untouched with delicate raised die lines on the neck. The 1855 half eagle had an original mintage figure of 117,098 and almost instantly much of this figure went into circulation. As a result, even low grade uncirculated examples are considered scarce and a specimen of this pristine condition should be considered magnficient.
Furthemore, as if all the above were not enough, this superb 1855 half eagle is the rare Breen-6614/Blundered date variety and we believe it to be the finest representation of that variety to exist. Below the 18 of the date at the dentils is the top of a straying 1. On both obverse and reverse there are defined clashmarks, which Walter Breen mentioned when he noted the variety. In terms of what is the current premium paid for this variety we note the Harry Bass, Jr. Sale, Part II. Lot #1066 of that sale was a 1855 $5.00 PCGSMS62 "Blundered Date" example and it brought $10,925. Garrett & Dannreuther have price records showing that four other 1855 half eagles in either PCGS or NGC MS62 were all realizing $2,600 to $2,900 during the same time frame. Therefore, it is our opinion that this "Blundered Date" variety should realize a healthy premium, maybe to the tune of 397%, over the current market value of its' assigned grade (PCGS # 8261) .
Estimated Value $20,000 - 24,000.
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| Realized $24,150 |
