1834 $5 Classic Head Half Eagle, Crosslet 4 NGC XF40

Here is a rare variety of the first issue of the Classic Head half eagle series. NGC has graded 11 as XF40 with 76 finer. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $5,500.00 in XF40.

After the passage of the Coinage Act of 1834, the specification of the $5 half eagle were modified and the size reduced. U.S. Mint Engraver William Kneass crafted the new Classic Head design. However, this series lasted a mere five years.

U.S. gold specialist David Akers writes, "The 1834...Crosslet 4 is many times more rare than the 1834 Plain 4. It has appeared at auction less often than any other date of this type including the 1838-C, and actually is just as rare as many of the more well known dates of the previous two types. Most known specimens are well worn with VF to EF being typical and AU and UNC virtually unavailable."

Close-up photo of the 1834 Plain 4 and the 1834 Crosslet 4, courtesy of the PCGS Coin Facts website.