1811 US $5 Small 5 Capped Bust Half-Eagle NGC MS65

Breen-6464, B. 1-B, Miller-116, High R.3. As an issue, the 1811 Capped Bust Left is more challenging to locate than the first-year 1807, 1809/8, 1810 Large Date, Large 5, and 1812. The Small 5 is the variety of the 1811 that is most frequently offered, particularly in Mint State. The vast majority of certified Uncirculated survivors, however, grade no finer than MS63. Almost 100,000 half eagles were struck in 1811; about half were the Large 5 variety, the other half, Small 5. In researching only six coins have been sold at public auction since 1993, making this coin extremely rare in "GEM". The Small 5 can be identified by the much smaller 5 in the denomination, and the C in AMERICA, which is clearly repunched at the base.

This obviously important, sparkling Gem example has surfaces that are richly colored in original medium gold that yields to noticeable green-gold undertones. The texture is softly frosted, with only light grazes on the obverse that preclude an even finer rating. The coin is sharply detailed and well centered. Some counterclockwise die rotation is noted. Better-date type collectors would be wise to take full advantage of THIS opportunity this lot represents. Census: 4 in 65, 0 finer (10/20). Extremely Rare.