Off-Center Rotated Double Striking
Bass-Dannreuther 1 (Dies 1-A): Wide 5D, with the D. of the denomination placed far to the right. This was the first use of this obverse die, and the only use of this reverse. This obverse was later lapped and paired with the Close D reverse of this date for Bass-Dannreuther 2.
While Harry Bass originally owned four examples of this die pair, this was the coin that was retained for the Harry Bass Core Collection. Solidly Gem Mint State with unquestionably original surfaces, this is one of the finest survivors among 1812 Half Eagles. The surfaces are richly frosted and colored in lightly greenish-gold with sporadic splashes of amber. A few wispy obverse lines restrict the grade, which remains firmly in the Gem category.
As noted by John Dannreuther, this exceptional and fascinating 1812 Half Eagle was double struck, the first strike slightly off-center, and the second strike rotated from the first. While considered to be a “Mint Error” by PCGS, this coin could easily slip into an early type set, as the double striking isn’t quite obvious upon first inspection. Collections are often remembered for their special coins, and this one easily qualifies.
PCGS #46092682
Provenance
A-Mark Coin Co., privately March 1978 to Harry Bass; Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation, HBCC #3124; Heritage, May 2023, lot 4556 @ $111,000; Heritage, January 2024, lot 4338 @ $81,000; Heritage, January 2026, lot 3233 @ $100,650.