1054

1851-D $5 MS62 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1851-D $5 MS62 PCGS.
1851-D $5 MS62 PCGS. Variety 26-R. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). The first 1 in the date joins a denticle at its base and is positioned under the neck. The second 1 is very close to the neck. The base of the first 1 is repunched. The mintmark is far to the right and is positioned over the left side of the E in FIVE. This is one of five varieties currently known to exist of this issue.RARITY INFORMATION: There are an estimated 115 to 135 1851-D half eagles known. Around two dozen of these grade AU and another four or five pieces grade Uncirculated. These high grade coins include at least one (sold by us as lot 10302 in our July 2003 Baltimore Auction) that had an extremely weak mintmark. The finest is the PCGS MS63 in the Duke's Creek Collection that is Ex: Milas and Norweb. The presently offered PCGS MS62 could well be the second finest and it is notable for its originality.STRIKE: This date is found weakly struck more often than nearly any other Dahlonega half eagle. The Green Pond Collection example shows an average to slightly below average strike. The obverse is noticeably weak on the hair around the face and on the denticles from 5 to 10 o'clock. The reverse is very weak in the center and shows incomplete denticles, but it does have a very sharp mintmark. Given the fact that this is such an appealing coin, we feel that this weakness of strike is not an overly important factor in determining its value.SURFACES: The surfaces are far above average as they lack any hairlines or serious handling marks. There is a small area of mint-made roughness at the nape of Liberty's neck.LUSTER: The luster is thick and frosty, and it has not been disturbed by any past cleanings or dippings. The few known high grade 1851-D half eagles tend to show nice luster that is similar in texture to that seen on this piece.COLORATION: Both the obverse and the reverse have attractive original orange-gold and greenish coloration. This is one of just a small number of examples that has retained its natural color.EYE APPEAL: While this coin does not possess a great strike, it does have a bold mintmark and the new collector should realize that almost no 1851-D half eagles are strongly impressed. The luster, color, and surfaces are excellent and we believe that the overall level of eye appeal of this coin is far above average for the date.COMPARABLES: In our January 2003 auction of the Ashland City Collection, an NGC graded MS62 example, sold as lot 4777, brought $14,375.PEDIGREE: Obtained via Doug Winter from the North Georgia/Heritage 1999 FUN Sale (lot 7701), where it realized $18,400. This is the plate coin in the second edition of Doug Winter's book "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861." It is listed in the current Condition Census as tied with a few other coins as the second finest known 1851-D half eagle. Important notice: Heritage usually auctions material at the rate of 200-250 lots per hour. On some occasions eBay Live bid software or the Internet may not be able to keep up with the pace of the auction. We recommend placing a realistic absentee bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Occasionally the auctioneer may eliminate or reject an eBay Live bid, and the auctioneer may also reopen a lot after the close of the eBay live bidding (usually because we missed an audience bid), and may reject your bid even if it shows you as the winning bidder. By bidding via eBay Live, you agree that Heritage may award the lot to another bidder at its sole discretion under the circumstances described above or any other reasonable circumstances. Also please note that all Heritage lots purchased through eBay Live carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions before you bid.