1836 Classic Head Half Eagle. HM-2. Rarity-4+. AU-58 (PCGS). <strong>Die Variety: </strong>HM-2. Obverse 2: There is a double forelock curl, and the digit 6 is centered under Libertys lowest hair curl. Repunching to the letters LIB in LIBERTY and triple punching to the R further identify this obverse, which was used in both the HM-2 and HM-3 pairings of the date. Reverse F: The eagle has no tongue, and there is a large berry in the branch at the end of a prominent stem. The digit 5 in the denomination is 50% under the lowest arrow feather, and the following letter D is 85% under the branch stem and repunched. This die also appears in the 1835 HM-7 and 1836 HM-1 pairings.<p><strong>Die Emission Sequence: </strong>Representing the final use of Reverse F, the 1836 HM-2 was struck after both the 1836 HM-1 and 1835 HM-7 varieties.<p><strong>Die State: </strong>Both sides of the present example exhibit the bisecting cracks for which this die pairing is known. The crack on the obverse extends from the upper border outside star 8, through Libertys portrait and the letter T in LIBERTY, to the lower border at the digit 6 in the date. The bisecting crack of Reverse F is described above in our offering of the 1835 HM-7 and 1836 HM-1 coins from the Virginian Collection.<p><strong>Estimated Surviving Population for the Variety:</strong> 100 coins in all grades (per Daryl J. Haynor, 2020), or 6% of extant 1836 Classic Head half eagles.<p><strong>Strike: </strong>The highest points of Libertys portrait on the obverse are more or less soft, a combination of light rub and incompleteness of strike. Otherwise the detail on that side is generally bold, and the reverse is sharply struck throughout with just a bit of light wear that is commensurate with the assigned grade.<p><strong>Surfaces: </strong>Glints of vivid reddish-rose iridescence appear to drift toward the borders on both sides of this otherwise honey-olive example. Plenty of luster remains, and the surfaces have generally small, wispy handling marks from commercial use. A few shallow grazes at the top of Libertys head and around star 8 are noted.<p><strong>Commentary: </strong>This is a scarce variety in an absolute sense, as the estimated population of 100 or so coins in all grades makes clear. Daryl J. Haynor (2020) notes that AU-58, as here, is the finest obtainable for the variety. The Bass provenance adds further appeal for this pretty near-Mint example that is sure to appeal to advanced Classic Head half eagle enthusiasts. PCGS# 8174. NGC ID: 25RY. From the Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection. Earlier ex Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection; our Costa Mesa Auction of June 2021, lot 2481.
