1819 Half Eagle

HBCC#:

3132

Breen#:

6473

BD#:

1

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This variety reuses the blundered 5D over 50 reverse die introduced in 1818. This is a very rare variety as are all 1819 die marriages. In his Complete Encyclopedia, Walter Breen recorded just five examples, although the true population is probably closer to 20. This is the coin mentioned by Breen as “Brand, Auction ’85.” This is the second example of the variety acquired by Harry Bass; his other coin was not recorded by Walter Breen in his roster.

Provenance:

From Stack's session of Auction '85, July 1985, lot 1914. Previously from S.H. Chapman's sale of the David S. Wilson Collection, 1907. Virgil Brand Collection.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

"Obverse: Wide date, 1819 evenly spaced. Bases of 1 8 even. Second 1 over space between two denticles. 9 deeply punched into die, resulting in its being more prominent than other numerals. Reverse: That of 1818C. D of 5 D over 0 (blunder). 5 has flat top - punch used in 1815, and for earlier reverses. Small period after D. First S centered over E. Clash - evident within scroll, within shield."