For the gold guys-- is there any value left in capped bust $5 half eagles?

Longacre

I really, really like the design of the capped bust half eagles. One of my goals in my numismatic pursuits is to buy one someday. I have a few questions on these coins:

(1) Is there any value left in these coins in today's market, or are they so overpriced that they are in silly territory?
(2) How difficult is it to find a nice crusty coin with original surfaces?
(3) Which date in the series is considered optimal (i.e., has a good balance between decent eye appeal and consistent demand)?


Here is a link to the design, if you don't know what it looks like:

$5

RYK

Prices have certainly risen, but from my limited vantage point, they do not seem as popular as the bust right design, and it seems like there are enough of these around.

michael

(1) Is there any value left in these coins in today's market, or are they so overpriced that they are in silly territory?

definately NOT overpriced for certain looks, dates and conditions


(2) How difficult is it to find a nice crusty coin with original surfaces?

really difficult


(3) Which date in the series is considered optimal (i.e., has a good balance between decent eye appeal and consistent demand)?

1810 large date large 5

1811 small 5

1812

1813

i feel the 1811 is the most available

doesnot have to be totally crusty original but has to have great eye appeal and full strike no adjustment marks and nice orange gold but not look like a bright killer yellow gold new american eagle

a great value coin would be a killer au 58 that has nice orange gold coloration no adjustment marks and something that is almost a choice unc but wsith slight highpoint rub and a nice full strike as most usually are

and of course the most impossible to explain here it has to have that way above average eye appeal look to the coin if it has the look a wonderful coin to own in choice au55 to au58

if it has the look does not have to be totally crusty original but of course it would help

Baley

Longacre,
As you can probably tell from the overwealming response to your inquiries (dug this up from deep on page 6) these rare coins are not widely collected. Even having a single example for a type set is unusual, and fortunate. Questions about "value" and "overpriced" are very subjective in the coin collecting realm, but will say that one of these with original surfaces is even more rare than an already rare coin "in any grade". (which is, in turn, far far rarer than many higher priced "rarities" which enjoy greater popularity) As far as dates, your link really goes to two types, the 1807-1812 and the 1813-1834. The latter variety is even rarer than the former, with the 1822 having only 3 known, only one of which is available for private ownership. I agree with you that they are wonderful, beautiful coins, and wish you luck in acquiring a piece that suits your taste. If you do encounter such a coin, one that speaks to you, my advice is to snap it up, as coins with "the look" are few and far between. I overpaid for my 1812 at the time, but it has done well since, and I have never regretted the purchase.
I have been looking for an example of the second type for several years and still have not found one that was both to my liking and could afford. Maybe when the long-predicted "coin market crash" finally comes, I'll be able to get one, along with my small eagle silver, 1793 copper, and a few others at bargain basement prices. Until then, it's been up up up for these things.

Longacre

Thanks, Baley!

mrearlygold

I believe they are undervalued and am a net buyer of them.

RYK

I would skip the bust left half eagle and buy this quarter eagle instead. That way, you stay within your area of interest and collecyt the entire series at once.

It is unusual to find a problem-free, mid-grade circ example of this date.

Longacre

That's a nice coin, RYK. Thanks. Let me check the piggy bank.

ScarsdaleCoin

I am a big fan of these...prices are "silly" but based on availability maybe not.... it is quite hard to find original pieces but they do appear now and then....good luck....

bidask

How rare are these coins in MS 65 and what are the values of those graded today?

CoinRaritiesOnline

They are quite rare as a type in MS-65 and they would trade in the $60,000 to $80,000 range.

bidask

<< <i>They are quite rare as a type in MS-65 and they would trade in the $60,000 to $80,000 range. >>

Thanks.

Baley

Here's one that's a value, especially if your initial happens to be M or W

1808 half eagle on ebay

Nice looking... except...

topstuf

<< <i>Nice looking... except >>



I think it will be all right. DOCTOR! Oh, DOCTOR!! Patient waiting in exam room. Small surgery.



Man, why does that color and look always have to have sumpin like dat? That is SWEET. After the fix, it'll look like most of the rest of em.

GullibleNewb

I have long coveted that coin of yours, Baley. Very very attractive.

roadrunner

A technical AU58+ slipped by me a few months back. Unfortunately it came back slabbed as MS and the value went up by around $4000.
Either way I was not offered the coin. It would have been a good value even as MS.

roadrunner