1861-D Coronet Gold $5 Half Eagle Sells for $336,000
In Stack’s Bowers Galleries’ Aug. 25 auction, the Georgia Gold Rush Collection featured an 1861-D Coronet gold $5 half eagle graded MS-63 by Professional Coin Grading Service, which sold for $336,000. This particular coin was housed in a recent “Retro” PCGS green label holder, adding to its appeal to collectors.
Rare and Impressive Pedigree
With only 1,597 1861-D Coronet half eagles struck in the final year of production at the Georgia facility, this coin is a rare find. What makes it even more attractive is its impressive pedigree, with previous owners including Egypt’s King Farouk, Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb, Harry W. Bass Jr., and the Green Pond Collection.
Furthermore, this particular coin is one of just four in its grade at PCGS, with none finer. This rarity and high grade make it a desirable addition to any serious collector’s inventory.
Cataloger’s Observations
The Stack’s Bowers cataloger noted some specifics about the coin’s condition, mentioning that while the strike is better than average, there is some softness in certain areas like the hair curls over Liberty’s brow, the eagle’s left talon, and the uppermost arrow feather. Additionally, there are identifying marks such as a tiny diagonal nick on the bridge of Liberty’s nose and trivial marks on the obverse and reverse that are pointed out for reference.
Insight: The combination of rarity, historical significance, and high grade make this 1861-D Coronet gold $5 half eagle a coveted piece for collectors. Its impressive pedigree adds to its allure, showcasing a rich history of ownership by prominent figures in the numismatic world.
