3 minute read
A New Era for the PCGS Rare Coin Market Report
marriages. The sheer elusiveness of this historic gold coinage has long been a draw for Daryl J. Haynor, noted expert and author of United States Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839.
“As a collector, I have always steered into unchartered waters, and the Classic Head gold series is the neglected stepchild in the family of United States gold coins that never garnered the respect it deserved. I wrote the book, in part, because I wanted to change that perception.”
His exceptional collection of Classic Head gold will be showcased as a separate catalog in Stack's Bowers Galleries' August Showcase Auction. The sale is certain to shine a light on these short-lived but dynamic series, which offer tremendous opportunities and challenges for the intrepid collector. Haynor hopes that his book, which was recently awarded the Numismatic Literary Guild Book of the Year award, will attract collectors into the new frontier of Classic Head gold die marriages. However, collectors will also learn that gem-quality classic gold coins are far rarer than previously imagined.
Consider just two of the selections from Haynor’s cabinet: the 1834 Classic Head Quarter Eagle and 1838 Classic Head Half Eagle, both of which represent the finest quality known for their respective varieties. The 1834 Quarter Eagle, classified as variety “HM-1,” hails from the prestigious Virginian Collection and is a showstopper by every measure. Haynor’s example is the only HM-1 specimen graded PCGS MS65, with none grading higher. It’s difficult to imagine any other yet to be encapsulated could possibly rival the crisp surface quality of this exemplary piece.
Another outstanding marvel is the 1838 Half Eagle, an “HM-2” variety that is also a descendant of the Virginian Collection. Graded PCGS MS66, this piece is simply resplendent with its original, lustrous surfaces and exquisite toning. After over 15 years of searching, Haynor ranks this coin as the most eye-appealing Classic Head gold coin in existence. It boasts a population of just one with none graded higher. Quality counts when it comes to classic gold coinage, and these two specimens illustrate why collectors congregate around Gem-quality examples. They are the ultimate in rarity, beauty, and intrigue. The exclusive single-finest-known status of these two specimens also automatically launches the victorious bidder(s) of these stellar treasures that much closer to claiming the top spot in the respective and highly competitive PCGS Registry Sets for each of these series.
Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez has won multiple awards from the NLG and ANA for his work as a numismatic journalist and editor. He has been a coin collector since 1992 and enjoys all areas of United States coinage and U.S. minting history.
United States Classic Gold Coins of 1834-1839
by by Daryl Daryl J J. Haynor
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