RARE 1804 SMALL/LARGE 8 HALF EAGLE WITH A GREAT PEDIGREE

BD-5, High R-6. Bass pedigree as noted by PCGS.

This scarce variety is easily noted by a dramatic repunched 18 with initial punch too small and corrected by a larger 18. This variety is scarce and this specific die variety (BD-5) is regarded as being very rare in all grades.

The obverse of this coin is reflective and well-detailed with medium green-gold color. The reverse is more frosty in texture and it shows a number of clashmarks and cracks. The appearance of this coin is fascinating and it no doubt afforded harry Bass many hours of pleasing study.

This exact coin is the only PCGS AU58 1804 Small/Large 8 half eagle to appear at auction since May 2011. It last sold for $16,450; see below for more detailed information.

An important and charismatic 1804 half eagle with a great pedigree dating back to the days right after World War II.

From B. Max Mehl's sale of the Frederick Geiss Collection, February 1947, lot 1658, Stack's sale of the Harold Bareford Collection, December 1978, lot 155; Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection; Bowers and Merena's sale of the Bass Collection, Part II, October 1999, lot 756; Stack’s sale of the Waccabuc Collection, November 2007, lot 1117.
Last sold for $16,450 as Lot 2421 in Stacks Bowers 2016 ANA.