5221

[L#5221] 1811 Tall 5 $5 NGC MS63

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
[L#5221] 1811 Tall 5 $5 NGC MS63
This coin is "very scarce" in the words of the bible of early numismatics, <I>Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins</I> (a must-have accompaniment to any numismatic library). Mintage in 1811 was not overly large (99,851 pieces), and perhaps 95% of the issue was exported and melted. The occasional appearance of a lovely Mint State like the present coin keeps the price affordable, although the charts show prices for these early pieces to be continuing their long steady ascent. As to the coin itself, we find uncommonly smooth and fully metallic, golden features, with only faint traces of coppery orange patina around some of the stars and integers. The strike is normal for the issue with the usual heavy frost flows on both sides and only a few areas of soft strike, none requiring further mention. In short, a very presentable specimen of an 1811 half eagle!