SUPERB 1845 HALF EAGLE, ex MILAS AND ELIASBERG

The 1845 is one of the more common No Motto half eagles from the Philadelphia mint with hundreds and hundreds known in circulated grades. Uncirculated pieces are another story as there are around 30 known but nearly all are in the MS60 to MS62 range. I am aware of around a half dozen distinct coins in MS64 (the populations at both services are distorted by resubmissions) with the present example being the finest which I have seen or am aware of.

This borderline Gem is unmolested with exceptional frosty luster below light rose-gold and rich yellow color; a small copper spot at the outside of the left wing serves as identification. The obverse is extremely choice with just a few small scuffs in the fields; there is a cluster of shallow marks on the reverse above the eagle’s head which limits the grade.

The only comparable example which I have seen is Bass II: 943 which was graded MS64 by PCGS and which sold for $16,100.

This would make a perfect No Motto Liberty Head half eagle type coin.

Ex Heritage 4/15: 5335 (as NGC MS64 CAC) at $15,863, New Orleans collection, Stack’s 5/95: 458 ($17,600; as NGC MS64), Edward Milas collection, Bowers and Ruddy 10/82: 435 ($2,420), Louis Eliasberg collection, Clapp collection.

CAC has approved this one coin in MS64 with none finer.