1063

1859-D $5 Large D AU58 PCGS.

Currency:USD Category:Pottery & Glass Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1859-D $5 Large D AU58 PCGS.
1859-D $5 Large D AU58 PCGS. Ex: Bass. Large mintmark. Variety 37-EE. (per Doug Winter's second edition and revised attribution system). This variety appears to be very rare, especially in high grades.RARITY INFORMATION: When Doug Winter's first edition of "Gold Coins of the Dahlonega Mint 1838-1861" was published in 1997, this variety was not listed. But it was apparently known to Harry Bass who had purchased an example in the 1982 Eliasberg Collection Sale. The 1859-D large mintmark is listed in the second edition of Winter's book and it appears to be very rare. The present coin is the only relatively high grade coin we know of. PCGS has also graded one example in VF and one in XF40. Since this is a relatively new discovery, it is too early to make definitive pronouncements about its rarity. But it seems highly likely that the present coin is the finest known by a considerable margin.For the collector who appreciates pedigrees, it is interesting to note the complete chain of ownership listed below. This is one of a small handful of coins owned by both Harry Bass and Louis Eliasberg, two of the greatest United States gold coin collectors of all time.STRIKE: The obverse is somewhat softly struck. On the small number of 1859-D large mintmark half eagles we have seen, this softness was also observed. The reverse shows better detail with some weakness in the center.SURFACES: Some light, scattered marks can be seen in the fields including one small dig near the left end of the bust. When the coin is tilted at an angle, several tiny marks are visible at the right corner of Liberty's eye.LUSTER: A good amount of soft frosty luster remains on both obverse and reverse.COLORATION: Both sides have lovely original rich orange-gold hues. This coin has clearly never been dipped. It is very hard to locate any 1859-D half eagle with natural color.EYE APPEAL: This is a pretty, original coin with good color. What makes it especially desirable, in our opinion, is its combination of superb pedigree and the fact that it is probably the finest known of a very rare and important variety.COMPARABLES: No other comparable 1859-D large mintmark half eagle has appeared at auction in recent years--if ever.PEDIGREE: Obtained via Doug Winter from the Bowers and Merena October 1999 Bass II Sale, lot 1117, where it realized $5,520. Earlier Ex: Harry Bass Collection; Eliasberg Collection (Bowers and Ruddy, 10/82), lot 494; John Clapp Jr.; John Clapp Sr.; J.C. Mitchelson in 1905. 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.