1836 $5 Classic Head Half Eagle PCGS MS-64 Ex.Steamboat Pulaski CAC

CAC. Ex.Steamboat Pulaski. The 1836 Classic Head Half Eagle, designed by William Kneass, chief engraver of the Philadelphia Mint, followed the Act of June 28, 1834, which reduced the weight and fineness of U.S. gold coins to promote circulation. PCGS has graded 20 as MS64 with 7 finer. In CAC, there are 9 in MS64 with 2 finer Struck solely in Philadelphia with a mintage of 553,147 pieces, it featured lowered relief and a beaded border for improved striking. The obverse depicts a youthful Liberty facing left, her hair bound by a ribbon bearing LIBERTY, encircled by thirteen stars and the date. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with raised wings, grasping arrows and an olive branch, framed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and 5 D. This specimen, graded PCGS MS-64 and CAC-approved, originates from the steamship Pulaski, which exploded and sank off North Carolina on June 14, 1838, en route from Savannah to Baltimore. Carrying over 160 passengers and crew, the vessel lost about two-thirds of its occupants to the boiler blast and ensuing chaos, with survivors rescued days later by passing ships.