1059

1856-D $5 MS64 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1856-D $5 MS64 PCGS.
1856-D $5 MS64 PCGS. Variety 33-BB. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). This is the only die variety that is known although a second reverse is rumored.RARITY INFORMATION: The 1856-D is one of the scarcer Dahlonega half eagles although its true rarity in higher grades remains clouded by the presence of small hoard that is slowly being released. As of November 2003 there are still only two pieces that have been graded MS64 by PCGS: the Duke's Creek Collection coin and the Green Pond specimen.STRIKE: The strike is typical for this issue with the obverse showing a slightly convex appearance. This results in noticeable weakness on the hair around the face and the curl below the ear as well as on the corresponding areas of the reverse. The rest of the detail is very strong with full radial lines in the stars and strong, individually defined denticles.SURFACES: While there are a few light hairlines (not from cleaning) seen on both sides, the surfaces are exceptional with none of the marks usually seen. Unlike the 1856-D half eagles that come from the hoard described above, this example does not have excavating marks.LUSTER: The luster is exceptional. Both sides are very frosty and show no breaks--a totally original coin.COLORATION: The centers are a light to medium rose-gold and these deepen to orange-gold at the borders. This color is original and very pleasing.EYE APPEAL: This is a beautiful, high-end example with the appearance of a Gem. It shows a good strike and has superb luster. The surfaces are choice and the color is attractive.COMPARABLES: This is the only 1856-D graded higher than MS62 by PCGS or NGC that has ever been sold at public auction.PEDIGREE: Obtained from Heritage Rare Coin Galleries in March 1999; Ex: Heritage (2/99), lot 6287, where it brought $34,500; Michigan Collection; Lee Minshull/Casey Noxon; Early Spring ANA (Heritage, 3/96), lot 6646, where it realized $24,200; Internal Revenue Service, seized from Jesse R. Ledbetter. 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 the second finest 1856-D half eagle currently accounted for. 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.