If you’re interested in rare coins, you might want to know about the exciting lots that will be sold at Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ Aug. 13 Rarities Night auction. One of the main attractions is a special gold coin, the $5 half eagle. These coins are not only valuable but also have a rich history. The auction is held during the ANA World’s Fair of Money, from Aug. 4 to 9, and it’s a great opportunity to see some impressive pieces up close.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Gold Half Eagle |
| Year | 1825 (Overdate 1825/4/1) |
| Design | Capped Head Left |
| Rarity | 1 of only 3 known examples |
| Grade | Proof 62 (graded by Professional Coin Grading Service) |
| Previous Sale | Sold for $630,000 at Heritage’s January 2023 Florida United Numismatists sale |
| Collection | Harry W. Bass Collection |
| Auction Date | Aug. 13 at Stack’s Bowers Galleries |
| Viewing Location | ANA World’s Fair of Money (Aug. 4 to 9) |
| Striking Details | Struck from a polished die with reflective fields, cameo contrast |
| Historical Significance | Evidence of die re-use and partially effaced 4 underdigit |
| Exhibition Location | ANA’s Money Museum, Colorado Springs |
Two Exciting Proof Gold $5 Half Eagles
Among the exciting coins at the auction, two Proof gold $5 half eagles are especially important. These coins are rare, and their historical significance makes them highly sought after by collectors. A Proof coin is a special type of coin that is made for collectors, usually with higher quality finishes compared to regular coins.
1825/4/1 Capped Head Left Gold Half Eagle
One of the coins that will be featured in the auction is a 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left gold half eagle. This coin is part of the Harry W. Bass collection and was graded Proof 62 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). It was last sold for a whopping $630,000 at a different auction in January 2023.
This coin is particularly rare because there are only three known examples of it. It is also a Capped Head Left design, which is an important feature of early U.S. coins. These coins were made at a time when the U.S. Mint was not recording the creation of Proof coins, so finding one like this is very exciting for collectors and historians.
Historical Importance
The 1825/4/1 gold half eagle was on display for a long time at the ANA’s Money Museum in Colorado Springs, which is part of the American Numismatic Association (ANA). The coin is especially valuable because of its rare history and design. The dramatic overdate on the coin, which shows both a 4 and a 1, is proof that the U.S. Mint reused dies during this period. This kind of coin is known as a “re-used die,” which is a term used to describe coins that were struck with older dies.
Technical Details
The coin is graded Proof 62, meaning it has been carefully inspected for quality and is in excellent condition. It was struck with a polished die, which is one of the reasons it has a reflective appearance with some cameo contrast. This is a beautiful feature that adds to the coin’s value.
The coin also has a one-sided Proof design, which means it was only struck on one side, unlike regular coins that are struck on both sides. This type of striking is more typical for coins made for collectors rather than for everyday circulation.
Conclusion
The 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left gold half eagle is just one of the exciting lots at Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ auction. With only three known examples in existence, this coin is highly valuable and offers a glimpse into early U.S. coinage history. Its rare design and historical significance make it an important piece for collectors and numismatists alike.
Coins like this gold half eagle remind us of how history is captured in small objects. The way coins are made, the designs used, and even how they were used in the past tell us stories about the people and events of their time. So, if you’re a coin collector or just interested in history, this auction is one you won’t want to miss.
FAQs
1. What is a Proof coin?
A Proof coin is a special type of coin made for collectors. It is struck with a polished die, which gives it a reflective, high-quality finish. These coins are made in smaller quantities and are often more valuable than regular coins.
2. Why is the 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left gold half eagle so special?
The 1825/4/1 Capped Head Left gold half eagle is extremely rare, with only three known examples. It is also significant because of its overdate (1825/4/1), which shows how the U.S. Mint reused dies during that period. This coin is a valuable piece of American numismatic history.
3. How much did the 1825/4/1 coin sell for?
The coin was last sold for $630,000 at an auction held by Heritage Auctions in January 2023. The high sale price reflects the rarity and historical importance of the coin.
4. Where can I see the 1825/4/1 gold half eagle before the auction?
The coin will be on display at the ANA World’s Fair of Money in Colorado Springs, from August 4 to 9, 2024. This is a great opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to view this rare coin in person before the auction.
5. What is the significance of the overdate on the coin?
The overdate on the 1825/4/1 coin is important because it shows evidence of the re-use of dies by the U.S. Mint. The “1” underdigit is likely a partially effaced “4,” which is a unique feature that makes the coin even rarer.
6. What is the grading of the 1825/4/1 gold half eagle?
The coin is graded Proof 62 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). This high grade means the coin is in excellent condition, with a beautiful finish and no significant wear or damage.