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1805 half eagle for the type set
Baley
Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
Ever since getting that first redbook in 1977 and starting a US type set, I've admired the early gold coins, particularly the turban head, or capped-bust-facing-right coins, but have never been able to get one of this design for my collection until now...
Finally, after 35 years of wanting one of these, have picked up this 1805 half eagle
comments welcome, and post any pics of early gold
Finally, after 35 years of wanting one of these, have picked up this 1805 half eagle
comments welcome, and post any pics of early gold
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
15
Comments
congrats!
Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
mbogoman
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/classic-issues-colonials-through-1964/zambezi-collection-trade-dollars/7345Asesabi Lutho
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
To look like that and be over 200 years old is amazing.
Perfect is relative Baley
I would take her to the prom.
I knew it would happen.
she's a beauty
still remember the first one i ever saw, love at first sight
<< <i>What do you think the grade, or net grade, of this coin is? thanks >>
It's genuine, it's legitimately scarce, and it's uber-cool. For those of us of more moderate means, it's fine to have minor flaws for coins of this calibre
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
don't take this the wrong way BUT
you've waited on that coin longer than i have been on this planet !
Guess I don't EVEN KNOW what patience is yet ><
.
AB
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
thanks, curly, for the attribution info! how many marriages/varieties are there for this year? what do you (all) think is the best book describing this series? thanks
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>From the pic, it looks to be a BD-1, R-3+. I think it has claims to AU55. It is the most available variety for 1805. It is a nice coin. Congratulations
thanks, curly, for the attribution info! how many marriages/varieties are there for this year? what do you (all) think is the best book describing this series? thanks >>
Brother, there is a boatload of info in the " Early U.S. Gold Coin Varities" byJohn Dannreuther / Harry Bass Jr.
peacockcoins
That is also my dream coin.
The Capped Bust / Heraldic Eagle was the first early gold type coin that I acquired. I had an 1804 dated piece back in the early 1970s and sold it for too little money when I made my first pass at dealing coins. Later I bought the 1806 which I have today.
That design posed a tremendous attraction for me also. When I was in high school I used to look at the pictures in the Red Book and drool. I saw my first one when I was something like a senior in high school or some time close to that. The price was $600, but it might as well have been $60,000. My record at that time was $210 for an 1877 Indian cent in Fine. (REAL FINE with a full "LIBERTY.")
The coin is just rare enough to be exotic, and yet just common enough to be with reach. At least it was within reach until the price run-ups in recent years have pushed a lot of these coins beyond the budgets of most collectors. I remember I paid $1,100 for my first one, which was an AU, in the early 1970s.
Coinfame,Kaelasdad,Type2,UNLVino,MICHAELDIXON
Justacommeman,tydye,78saen,123cents,blue62vette,Segoja,Nibanny
Lance.
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
<< <i>What do one of these costs nowadays? >>
A really nice AU is going to run you $12,000 or so. They bid as low as $8,500 or $9,000 in AU-50, but a lot of us would be disappointed with those coins for reason or another. (e.g. dipped, cleaned, not quite up to the grade, rim nick(s), too many marks)
I grade yours AU50.
This is about how the coin looks in hand, at close to actual size, and the color is about right. I'll post some larger overlit pictures which show it the size of a softball
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Here is mine example of the type, which is not totally original, but still attractive. I bought this one back in 1982 when everything was raw and you lived by your wits. It is now a PCGS AU-58
And here is a totally original piece, which is the next type, the Capped Bust (1807 to 1812). This one is a PCGS AU-55.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>Net grade, Fine? >>
I think that it is an easy net grade VF, even Choice VF to an extent. It's an AU sharpness coin that is getting knocked down to the net grade not an EF. It's sin is altered surfaces, but it's got a lot meat. That’s the usual trade-off with coins have don’t grade. Usually I’d say that getting the meat is a very good thing if you can’t have it all.
regardless,we all love your coin too, sans grade
<< <i> how many marriages/varieties are there for this year? what do you (all) think is the best book describing this series? thanks >>
"Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties" John Dannreuther with notes by Harry Bass - is the complete book of early gold 1795-1834, and relatively inexpensive. There are 5 die marriages for 1805 half eagles.
My only other early gold is this piece purchased about 10 years ago, I'd like to get more pre-1834 gold, someday, hopefully before another decade goes by to save up
Thanks for showing your early half eagles, they're all really great coins, and each unique in character, please post more of them!
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Very nice coin Baley and congrats on the acquisition!
I'd say AU details. Crack that thing out and let it breath some fresh air for many years!
No downside to that coin IMO.
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.