Lot 2855
1834 $5 Classic Head. Crosslet 4. NGC graded MS-61. A scarce variety. Light golden toning over lustrous surfaces. A very bold strike. There is a slight planchet flake in the right obverse field (as made) which will serve as identifier. Some normal light marks in the reverse field associated with the grade. It is possible that the mint carried over the Crosslet 4 idea from the previous Capped Bust 1834 design, but then decided to go with the Plain 4 format for the rest of this issue since the Plain 4 coins outnumber the Crosslet 4 by a very wide margin.
Distinguishing features include a Fancy 8 in the date, Crosslet 4, where the top of the 4 is distant from hair curl. No berry in branch, no tongue, arrow feather over left edge of 5. Note the low census: Pop 5; 4 finer, 3 in 62, 1 in 64 (PCGS # 8172) .
In summer 1834 the $5 denomination was redesigned by William Kneass, who created what is now known today as the Classic Head style. The new 1834 issue is similar in design to the quarter eagle of the same date. The obverse depicts the head of Miss Liberty facing left, her hair secured by a band inscribed LIBERTY, with stars circling her head, and with the date below. The reverse shows an eagle with a shield on its breast, perched on an olive branch and holding three arrows. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 5 D. surrounds. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, used earlier, was discontinued.
Estimated Value $19,000 - 21,000.
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| Realized $18,400 |
