I've heard that classic head gold ($5 and $2.50's) are some of the most un-researched coins. Last year I was talking to Ben (a specialize in $5 classic half eagles) about a certain individual who was going to make a book on varieties soon. I am also looking for any literature on the coins, about varieties, but especially on the history of the coins. The only book I have that briefly touches on the history of the coins is United States Gold Coins: An Illustrated History. The research on NGC's website and grading section is both very helpful. It mentions that often mint state examples that have not been cleaned will have a reddish patina (mine is AU and has a nice thick patina). Here's a picture of mine:
Two books - Encyclopedia of US Gold Coins 1795-1933 by Garrett & Guth - and - Early US Gold Coin Varieties - A study of Die States 1795-1834 by Dannreuther & Bass. Once you have those, you should pretty much have it all covered.
John McCloseky has done some pretty good work on the varieties for those coins. Some of it was published in the ANS Coinage of the Americas Conference book Americas Gold Coinage, and some in the John Reich Journal. I have an extra copy of the ANS book if you would like to borrow it.
I find the transitional years of 1838-1839 for the 5$ & 10$ to be very interesting as well. With the introduction of the branch mints and the liberty design the two years with their different diameters(broad Mil), Obv Mint Marks from the 3 southern mints and different hubs and details.
Classic head eagles are under appreciated (probably as popular as shield and 3 centers)...which is a good thing for those of use who collect them. The supply of un-boinked with examples is limited at best...a little or any attention to the series will shoot prices to the moon. Both are tough series to complete by die marriage but, a nice date/mm is doable on almost any budget as it is a rather short series. Here is a link to Mark Borckardt's Classic Head Quarter Eagle guide in .pdf format courtesy of Heritage. Has good information on the classic quarter eagle varieties along with a rarity analysis from auction appearances. http://coins.ha.com/s/d/cqedvg.pdf Hopefully McCloskey's manuscript will get to the printers soon.
After speaking with a couple seated liberty guys today I learned that there was a computer crash that is delaying John McCloskey's book.
Great information guys. Thank you! I may take you up on that offer Conder. I can't imagine how frusterating it is to have all your work on your computer, then it crashes and you lose everything. Hopefully the book will be released soon. Thanks for the heads up
