Lot 1346
1796/5 $5 Capped Bust. Small eagle. . M-16. PCGS graded AU-55. Here is a very rare coin that has been off the market for quite some time. The surfaces are better than average for the grade, but not quite choice, as minimal handling marks can be seen with the aid of a glass. Note the fine engraving of both the obverse and reverse, each star is full, and great care was taken in the placement of each so that no point overlapped the neighboring star, and the tenth star just touches Liberty's cap. Similar on the lettering, some touch, others just miss each other. The engraver had some trouble with AME, and the serifs of the M overlap both surrounding letters as there simply was not enough space to squeeze all three in without overlapping the eagle's wing.
As to the overdate, it is clear with the aid of magnification, with the large 5 partially hidden beneath the 6. Free of adjustment marks or other problems, just minor handling ticks from brief circulation. Identifiable by a small tick between the second star and Liberty's curl, and another vertical mark in her drapery above the 7. On the reverse, we note a dull mark at the top of the F in OF. Most of the breast feathers are present on the eagle, and the coin shows complete detail throughout.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
Purchased from Abner Kreisberg many years ago, a few blocks up the street from our offices on Beverly Drive.
|
| |
| Realized $26,450 |
