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1823 $5 Capped Head PCGS MS63

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:11,200.00 USD
1823 $5 Capped Head PCGS MS63
1823 $5 Capped Head. PCGS graded MS-63 PQ. Lovely rich golden toning. Semi reflective surfaces. Only 14,485 minted. A cameo-like Liberty and eagle is the result of contrast between the frostier high points against the slightly reflective field on this bright yellow gold coin, one of the few survivors after 95% to 97% of the original issue was exported or melted. We note no signs of adjustment or carbon spotting, all is bright and fresh. A few scattered hairlines on both sides, always seen on the delicate mirror surfaces. There are a couple of small marks left of the eagle and below UNUM in the scroll, these will confirm the choice MS63 grade of this coin. Only a single die pair was used in 1823. All coins of this type are considered rare. Locating even a low-end Mint State example can take years of persistent searching. An important rarity that will no doubt feature high in any collection it graces. To quote the cataloguing expertise of Q. David Bowers during his landmark work on the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II, "on an absolute basis, very few 1823 half eagles exist, and no doubt a survey of leading dealers would reveal that many if not most have never handled even a single specimen in any grade." This particular piece comes appeal far surpassing the meager words we write about it. Pop 4; 5 finer in 64. (PCGS # 8131).

Historical note: On December 2, 1823, in his annual message to Congress, President James Monroe outlined a policy on foreign intervention. It wasn't until 30 years later that this document became known as the Monroe Doctrine. John Quincy Adams, then Secretary of State, is credited with having created this policy. An entry in his diary for November 7, 1823, tells of a meeting with John C. Calhoun and Samuel Southard on the subject of British proposals to join them in issuing a warning to the Holy Alliance (Russia, Austria, Spain, and France) against aggression in the Americas.
Estimated Value $28,000 - 31,000.
The Mark Gordon Collection.

Our item number 151296