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3542

1834 $5 Plain 4 MS65 NGC. McCloskey 2-A. The Classic H

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:17,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 2.00 USD
1834 $5 Plain 4 MS65 NGC. McCloskey 2-A. The Classic H
<B>1834 $5 Plain 4 MS65 NGC.</B></I> Second Head, Breen-6502, McCloskey 2-A. The Classic Head fives are the creation of William Kneass, who replaced Robert Scot as chief engraver a decade earlier. This design provided a ready visual aid for coins of the new weight standard, lowered from the earlier coinage to promote actual circulation. Kneass was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1781 and worked as a plate engraver for books prior to his appointment to the Mint engraving department.<BR> Due to the weight reduction, large quantities of Classic Head coins were produced, both quarter eagles and half eagles. Gold for this production came primarily from the Southeast, but also from Europe.<BR> There are nine known varieties of 1834 Classic Head half eagles, and McCloskey 2-A is one of the common varieties. The obverse is quickly identified by the tripled top to the 4 in the date. The eagle has a tongue and the digit 5 is centered beneath the arrow feather. Although this variety is common, the quality of this example is infrequently seen. In fact, NGC has certified just eight 1834 Classic Head half eagles at this grade level, with none finer, and that census includes all different varieties. This lovely olive-gold example has satiny or soft, frosty luster. Each side is a trifle weak at the center, with all surrounding design details boldly defined.<BR> A few die cracks are evident, especially on the reverse. A faint crack joins the bases of TED, thickening below the D and given a doubled appearance at the bottom of this letter. Another faint crack joins TES and a third connects the right wing tip to the border.<BR><I>From The Freedom Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coin/Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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