SOLD- $5.00 – 1834 Classic, Crosslet 4 PCGS AU50
SOLD- $5.00 – 1834 Classic, Crosslet 4 PCGS AU50
Serial Number 8172.50/31869528
PCGS Lookup Number 8172
McCloskey 5-D. Classic Head, Crosslet 4.
In terms of overall scarcity, this is the single rarest Classic Head half eagle issue, eclipsing the more heralded 1838-C and 1838-D. An estimated 125-150 are known with many in the EF40 to AU50 range and characterized by unoriginal abraded surfaces. Pieces with natural color and good eye appeal are seldom made available.
This pleasing, well-defined example shows natural russet color with splashes of toning covering the obverse and the reverse. Both sides retain some natural luster and were it not for a short abrasion on the cheek of Liberty, I believe that this piece would have graded AU53 if not AU55.
Since 2006, only two straight-graded PCGS AU50′s, including this example, have sold at auction and one with a CAC sticker realized $9,200 as Heritage 8/11: 5508.
As Classic Head half eagles become more popular with date and variety collectors, the demand for this very scarce issue is likely to increase significantly.
