Handsome Choice AU 1805 Half Eagle

1805 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-2. Rarity-4. Perfect 1, Close Date. AU-55 (PCGS).

Warmly toned in deep honey-gold and more vivid reddish-rose, this is a very attractive lightly circulated early half eagle. The strike is well centered with complete denticulation around both sides, although the border is a bit thin along the upper right reverse. Overall detail is suitably bold for this early U.S. Mint design type; Liberty's portrait and much of the eagle's plumage are sharp and most other design elements bold. Softness is confined to the obverse stars, most of which are blunt and lack radial lines. Softly frosted and an overall smooth appearance are enhanced by appreciable remaining luster. BD Die State e-f/b-c. This scarce variety has an estimated population of 100 to 150 survivors in all grades (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006). The obverse die was previously used in the 1805 BD-1 pairing, although it shattered in the 1805 BD-2 marriage, the earlier cracks of which are evident on the present example. The reverse die, however, proved especially hardy and went on to strike the remaining three varieties of the 1805-dated half eagle issue, as well as 1806 BD-1. Although scarce in an absolute sense, as are all early gold coin varieties, 1805 BD-2 is among the more readily obtainable in the Capped Bust Right half eagle series. The present example will be particularly appealing for advanced gold type collectors.

PCGS# 8088. NGC ID: 25P4.

From the Francesca Collection.