RARE PCGS MS64 1837 HALF EAGLE

McCloskey 2-B, R-3. Large Date, Large 5.

As with the similarly dated quarter eagle, the 1837 half eagle is a sleeper date which is much scarcer than generally acknowledged. There are an estimated five to six dozen known in Uncirculated and the vast majority grade MS60 to MS62. A properly graded MS63 or MS64 1837 half eagle is rare and I am aware of just four or five Gems including the magnificent PCGS MS66+ which sold for $235,000 as Pogue IV: 4054 in May 2016.

This example has a deep, dusky appearance which is natural and attractive. The color is a rich green-gold while the texture is subdued as a result of its graininess. The obverse is Gem quality and really lovely; a small reverse scratch runs from below the right foot of the A in STATES down through the beak and into the feathers.

A PCGS MS64+ sold for $44,450 in a 2012 Great Collections auction while no PCGS MS64 has been auctioned since 2009. The last PCGS MS65 to sell brought $100,625 in April 2010.

This is the nicest 1837 available to collectors of Classic Head half eagles and it should be of considerable interest to advanced date collectors of this design.

Ex Heritage 2007 FUN: 3544 where it sold for $40,250.

From the Western Springs Collection.