Capped Bust Right Half Eagle

1806 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-6. Rarity-2. Round-Top 6, Stars 7x6. AU Details--Cleaned (PCGS).

Predominantly sharp to full striking detail, pleasing light gold patina and appreciable satin luster combine to provide superior eye appeal for the assigned grade. The half eagle served as one of the principal gold denominations in everyday commerce during the early decades of the U.S. Mint. To help meet the demand for the denomination, the Mint researched various ways to help extend die life and found a solution by placing the obverse die into the anvil position on the base of the coining press with the reverse die taking the role of hammer die. By doing so, not only was the service life of the dies extended, but the obverse die could also impart a sharper and crisper impression. Consequently, in 1806 at least 64,093 half eagles were struck using only five obverse and six reverse dies paired together in a total of six different combinations. Of these five obverse dies, only one used a 6 digit punch with a rounded top. This die pair, Bass-Dannreuther 6, also proved to be the most resilient, ultimately producing somewhere between 35,000 and 50,000 coins. Despite the increase in production, most 1806 half eagles ended up in the hands of bullion speculators during the large scale meltings of the 1820s and 1830s. With somewhere between 600 and 900 examples of the BD-6 believed extant, this an especially desirable variety for type collectors.

PCGS# 8089. NGC ID: 25P5.

From the Collection of Silas Stanley Roberts, 1888-1966.

Estimate: $ 6000