1798 Half Eagle

HBCC#:

3049

Breen#:

6421

BD#:

1

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This example of the very rare 1798 Small Eagle half eagle was acquired from the Eliasberg Collection sold in 1982. Just seven examples are known, with two of these in the Smithsonian Institution. This variety has been publicized as a rarity for many years, and probably since the 19th century. It is believed that these were the first 1798 half eagles minted, followed by the 1795, 1797, and finally 1798 half eagles with Heraldic Eagle. The reverse die was earlier used in 1795 for HBCC-3041 above.

Provenance:

From the Bowers and Ruddy Galleries sale of the Louis Eliasberg Collection, October 1982, Lot 330. Previously from B. Max Mehl in 1924 to John H. Clapp.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

Obverse: Large close date, large 8. Circular crack. No crack to cap. Reverse: That of 1795 E, Small eagle. Heavily lapped. Very rare.