1834 Plain 4 $5.00 NGC AU58 CAC

Classic Head. I always try to buy a nice Choice AU Classic Head half eagle or two at every major coin show I attend and at this year's edition of the FUN show, I purchased this example. This lustrous slider is instantly recognizable by a swatch of coppery-gold color on the obverse border from 3:00 to 6:00. It is lightly worn and frosty with some light scuffing in the fields but no real wear on the relief details. As is typical for the date, the central details are not fully defined but the overall strike is better than expected for the issue. I've said this before but it bears repeating: I am constantly amazed that you can purchase a nice quality half eagle from the mid-1830's for under $2,500. Buy this coin for a type set or, better yet, make it your first coin in a date run of Classic Head half eagles from 1834 through 1838.