1795 $5 Small Eagle MS(PCGS#8066)

Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

2284

Grade

MS61

Price

79,300

Lot Description

BD Die State c/b. Bathed in a bright honey-gold color, the fields flash with subtle reflectivity that contrasts with lightly frosted motifs. Unlike many half eagles of the period, the surfaces reveal mostly small, wispy, singularly mentionable marks, although accuracy compels us to mention a faint horizontal scratch bisecting the obverse through Liberty's neck. There is no sign of Mint-made adjustment. The striking detail is crisper than what is typically seen with early half eagles, with just a hint of softness within the eagle's neck, breast and leg feathers. An impressively well defined and considerably attractive example that is sure to please many advanced numismatists.<p>John W. Dannreuther (<em>Early U.S. Gold Coin Varieties: A Study of Die States, 1795-1834</em>, 2006) provides an estimated mintage of 750 to 1,500 coins for the 1795 BD-1 half eagle. Survivors are elusive, as is the case for all pre-1834 U.S. gold coin issues, with the author accounting for only 40 to 50 pieces in all grades. That offered here is certainly among the finest currently available.