1835 Classic Head Half Eagle. HM-2. Rarity-3. First Head, Small Date. MS-65 PL (NGC).An awe-inspiring example of both the type and issue that would do justice to the finest gold cabinet. Fully impressed, satin textured devices offer appreciable contrast to well mirrored fields. Handsome medium gold patina blankets both sides, the surfaces exceptionally well preserved for a survivor of this brief and conditionally challenging series. HM-2 (McCloskey-3) is one of the more frequently encountered die marriages of the 1835 half eagle, the American Numismatic Society collection also containing a Prooflike Uncirculated coin. This example is the sole finest certified for the issue and is the only example awarded a PL designation from either PCGS or NGC. We first handled it over 16 years ago in our July 2004 sale of the Oliver Jung type set, whose pedigree further testifies to the superior quality. <p>A reduction in the weight of the half eagle from 8.75 grams to 8.36 grams through the Act of June 28, 1834 was done to discourage hoarding and allow this denomination to circulate once again. The weight change corresponded with a change in design and the introduction of William Kneass Classic Head type, which would remain current only through 1838. Scarce in all Mint State grades due to the brevity of the series, most Classic Head half eagles obtained for high grade type purposes are examples of the first year 1834 issue of the Plain 4 date logotype. The second year 1835 has a more limited mintage (371,534 vs. 657,460 pieces) and is scarcer in all grades than its first year counterpart. As a solidly graded and aesthetically pleasing Gem the coin offered here is nothing short of rare from a condition standpoint.<p>PCGS# 8173. NGC ID: 25RV.NGC Census: 1; none finer.Ex our (American Numismatic Rarities) sale of the Oliver Jung Collection, July 2004, lot 95.
