1833 $5 Large Date PR

Until the last few years, these spectacular rarities were nearly all locked away in a few major collections. The remaining coins are permanently impounded in Smithsonian National Numismatic collection. Most of the early Proof gold coins in the Smithsonian were originally in US Mint collection which began in the 1830’s. The near unavailability of the coins in the past have kept these spectacular rarities under the radar of most numismatists. That began to change in last couple of years with the sale of the Harry W. Bass collection and the discovery of one or two others.

The 1833 example from the John J. Pittman collection has been graded PR67 and is one of the finest early coins in existence. It formally held a spot in the 100 Greatest US coins list by itself. The recent unlocking of the Bass coins and others have justified listing them all together.

Obverse Description

Liberty with a bonnet, facing left, with 13 stars around the periphery and the date at the bottom.

Reverse Description

An eagle with wings fully spread with a ribbon above its head bearing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery with "5 D." at the bottom.