SUPERB BORDERLINE GEM 1834 PLAIN 4 HALF EAGLE

Plain 4 variety.

McCloskey 2-A, R-2. Block 8.

Varieties of 1834 Classic Head half eagles are known with a Plain 4 and a Crosslet 4. The former is more available and it is the easiest date of this type to locate. Hundreds are known in Uncirculated with most in the MS60 to MS62 range. Properly graded MS64 1834 Plain 4 Classic Head half eagles are rare and Gems are very rare with no more than six or seven extent.

From an aesthetic standpoint this is the nicest coin in the Western Springs Collection of Classic Head half eagles and it has remarkable eye appeal with rich natural yellow-gold color and dramatic semi-prooflike luster. The obverse has a two-tone appearance with nice contrast between the frosted device and the reflective fields while the reverse is uncommonly reflective. The strike shows some typical weakness at the centers while the surfaces are extremely clean and suggestive of a full-blown Gem.

A PCGS MS64+ example with CAC approval sold for $27,025 as Heritage 2017 FUN: 5899 for a reasonable $27,025. I feel the present piece is far superior in quality. The last PCGS MS65 to sell was a CAC-approved Gem which sold for a strong $99,875 as Heritage 2014 ANA: 5649.

This is a wonderful coin for the type collector who is seeking the best available quality for this design.

CAC has approved 12 in MS64 (with two in MS64+) and two finer.

Ex ANR 6/06: 2542 where it sold for $41,400 as an NGC MS65.

From the Western Springs Collection.