1806 $5 Knobbed 6, 7x6 Stars MS(PCGS#8089)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

경매인

Stack's Bowers

로트 번호

2298

등급

MS64

가격

39,040

로트 설명

BD Die State d/e. A lovely coin and notable condition scarcity for this challenging early half eagle design type. Billowy satin to softly frosted luster blends with warm honey-olive gold color on both sides. The strike is suitably bold for the type, the junction of the eagle's right wing and shield on the reverse and the opposite area within Liberty's hair on the obverse a bit soft, yet other design elements generally sharp. Isolated softness within the border denticulation is also noted for accuracy, but easily overlooked; there are no detracting marks and no troublesome planchet adjustment.<p>The half eagle served as the principal gold denomination for everyday commercial use during the early decades of the U.S. Mint. To help meet the demand for the denomination, the Mint researched various ways to help extend die life and found a solution by placing the obverse die into the anvil position on the base of the coining press with the reverse die taking the role of hammer die. By doing so, not only was the service life of the dies extended, but the obverse die could also impart a sharper and crisper impression. Consequently, in 1806 at least 64,093 half eagles were struck using five obverse dies and six reverse dies paired together in a total of six different combinations. Of these five obverses, only one used a 6 digit punch with a rounded off top. This die pair, BD-6, also proved to be the most resilient, ultimately producing somewhere between 35,000 and 50,000 pieces. Even with the increase in production, many 1806 half eagles ended up in the hands of bullion speculators during the large scale meltings of the 1820s and 1830s. Somewhere between 600 and 900 examples of the BD-6 variety are believed extant, with nearly a third of these in high grade, making this an especially desirable variety for type collectors. For the discerning numismatist seeking a premium Mint State early half eagle, look no further than this handsome Choice example.