A HIGH GRADE 1798 HALF EAGLE

Large Eagle; Large 8 with 13 stars on the reverse.

BD-4, R-4. Late die state with two large rim cuds on the reverse.

If you want to own an impressive 18th century half eagle, you have very few realistic choices. The 1795 is common but expensive, while the 1799 is more available but it is almost unlocatable above MS62. This leaves us with the 1798 of which this example is the most available of the eight die varieties known.

This is semi-reflective example which is very unusual for this issue as most of the higher grade pieces that exist are frosty. Some reddish-gold coloration at the obverse border nicely contrasts the rich yellow and green-gold at the center. Some minor weakness at the central obverse is typical for the issue and, in my opinion, the quality of strike is—for this variety—extremely bold. A few wispy lines on the obverse are accentuated by the reflectiveness of the fields. Overall, a great looking piece and a coin that is likely to occupy a position of pride in an advanced early gold type set.

Just two PCGS MS62 examples of this date/variety have sold at auction since 2003: this exact coin (see below), and a non-CAC piece that brought $38,400 as Heritage 10/2022: 3178.

Ex Stack’s Bowers 4/2024: 4267 ($57,600).

CAC has approved just four in MS62 with three finer.

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