Lot 1567
1820 $5 Capped Head. Square base 2. PCGS graded MS-64 PQ. PCGS holder 02443961. Well struck Premium Quality coin with intense frosty mint luster. Struck in natural olive color gold. Breen 1-A. Merged denticles. This coinage date is relatively scarce due to high attrition (and least plentiful in choice Mint State). Despite a recorded mintage of 263,806 coins, we find no more than an occasional example is offered, and then only in major sales. Some confusion exists regarding varieties of this date. In 1966, Walter Breen described just six die varieties from four obverse dies and five reverse dies. He mentioned a seventh in his New Varieties monograph; however, he did not provide a specific description. Robert W. Miller, Sr., in 1997, described 13 varieties! It is now believed that nine varieties are currently known. The present example has the obverse die easily recognized by three denticles merged together at 1 o'clock. Large letters on the reverse. Several small raised bumps in the field left of the 5 in the denomination.
Now, on to the all-important grade specifications. This is, without the slightest need for hyperbole, a genuinely beautiful and problem-free coin with luster racing over the surface. Vivid and gold in appearance, it glows. What's more, the fields acquit themselves nicely in terms of the fewness of marks, hence the desirable MS64 grade. Desirable also is to see this exacting strike: even though we need to point out some examples show signs of weakness in the central regions, this coin is a brilliant exception to that rule. It has sharpness everywhere with outstanding shield horizontals and vertical stripes. The appearance of this 1820 half eagle is more than one could hope for in a certified early half eagle. We expect to see strong bidder excitement when this remarkable, low-census specimen goes up for bidding. Pop 11; 2 in 65, 1 in 66 (PCGS # 8125) .
Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000.
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