LOT Heritage Rare Coin Galleries  /  2006 November Signature Coin Auction #420  / 

2229

1874 $5 MS63 PCGS. In its Bass auction appearance, the

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1874 $5 MS63 PCGS. In its Bass auction appearance, the
<B>1874 $5 MS63 PCGS.</B></I> In its Bass auction appearance, the cataloger noted, "On the accompanying ticket for this particular coin, Harry Bass wrote, FINEST KNOWN, then emphatically underlined the words. Nearly three decades after his purchase of this specimen, FINEST KNOWN probably still seems to be as accurate as ever." Time continues to pass, and it has been seven years since the Bass II auction. Yet the present piece remains the single finest certified 1874 half eagle, unequalled in business strike format at either PCGS or NGC. Only 3,488 business strikes and 20 proofs were struck. This smooth and prooflike piece has radiant honey-gold fields. This is an example of Breen-6688, with strike doubling on UNITED STATES, that Breen misinterpreted as a doubled die. If it were an Indian half eagle with the distinction of finest certified, it would realize over a hundred thousand dollars. As a Liberty half eagle without a C, D, or CC mintmark, it will sell for less than it should now, but perhaps not so in the future.<BR><I>Ex: Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, Part II (Bowers and Merena, 10/1999), lot 1194, which realized $20,125; purchased from N.K.S., 9/27/1971.</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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