Contemporary Counterfeit Undated (1837?) Classic Head Half Eagle. Gilt Copper. Reeded Edge. About Good.
22.5 mm. 5.43 grams. This heavily worn piece retains no discernible date, our tentative assignment of 1837 is based on the date proposed on the accompanying Coin Rarities LLC envelope. Liberty's portrait is partially outlined with a few letters in LIBERTY evident. The upper right 75% of the reverse is worn nearly smooth and reveals only the faintest outline of the eagle, but the lower left border on that side remains quite bold with a fully legible UNITED, crisp olive leaves and 5 D denomination, and relatively sharp detail along the bottom of the eagle. The latter area retains nearly full gilding, flecks of which also persist in the protected areas around and within Liberty's portrait on the obverse. Otherwise we note deep golden-brown patina to surfaces that are remarkably smooth and problem free for having acquired such extensive wear. An appealing piece for what it is, and sure to be of keen interest to specialists in circulating contemporary counterfeits of 19th century U.S. Mint gold coinage.
From the Daryl J. Haynor Virginian Collection. Earlier ex Dave Wnuck. Coin Rarities LLC envelope with provenance and collector notes included.