Lot 1308
The Extremely Rare 1819 Close Date Half Eagle. Sharpness of Extremely Fine but cleaned and with a small scratch buffed out. This famous coin has the normal reverse (not the 5 D. over 50). As a date the 1819 half eagle is truly one of the great rarities in American numismatics. From the time these coins were struck, they were worth more in bullion value than the stated $5, hence virtually all were melted and very few survive. Half eagles have long been collected by the elite of numismatists, there are many extremely rare coins and some dates are represented by only a few coins. Somehow, the mint managed to produce 3 different die variety combinations in 1819. The famous wide date, 5 D over 50, which is the most "common" of the 1819's; the 1819 wide date normal reverse with 6 or 7 known; and lastly this close date obverse with the normal reverse, of which there are 3 known according to Breen. On the Sheldon rarity scale, this is still a rarity-8, but with 3 known and the close date versus wide date not published widely, it is possible that another may turn up.
Thus, if you want a complete variety set then you had better see to it that this coin ends up in your collection. It could be many years before another opportunity arises to purchase one. The three known are as follows: 1). Ten Eyck: lot 185; 2). 1976 ANA sale, lot 2936, Uncirculated and 3). This specimen, offered by Henry Chapman 3-1-26 then in Auction '79, lot 1230. This coin is pictured in the Breen Encyclopedia under his number 6475.
Examination of the surfaces will note that a small scratch has been buffed out of the right obverse field behind Liberty's head and the surfaces show moderate hairlines from cleaning. Some luster still adheres in the fields, and the devices are well struck. We are proud to offer this numismatic classic and are certain that a true numismatist will appreciate its history, rarity and quality.
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| Realized $19,550 |
