1831 Half Eagle

HBCC#:

3159

Breen#:

6494

BD#:

2

Judd#:

n/a

Pollock#:

n/a

This example with large denomination on the reverse is from the identical die used to produce the 1830 coinage as displayed at HBCC-3156. Only a small number of survivors exist, perhaps in the range of 30 to 35, including two Proofs. This Bass Collection coin is one of the finest circulation strikes known. This design type is essentially the same design created by John Reich in 1813. William Kneass made minor modifications to the design during the period from 1828 to 1834.

Provenance:

From Stack's sale of the Nate Shapero Collection, October 1971, Lot 981.

Obverse:

Reverse:

Commentary:

"Obverse: Large stars, as 1829 Type I! Small date, 1s taller than other digits. Symmetrical 8. Stars 2 and 10 recut. Crack edge - star 5 - forelock. Clashed: visible behind hair, at bust line, base of chin, within ERT. Reverse: Small letters. Slightly larger small 5, its top concave. Large D, period close. Stemmed berries. No rear claw. Cracks at OF-wing tip-AMERIC. Lapped."