Capped Bust Left Half Eagle

1807 Capped Bust Left Half Eagle. BD-7. Rarity-5+. AU Details--Surfaces Smoothed (PCGS).

With razor sharp to full striking detail and no evident wear, an Unc Details grade may have been more appropriate for this coin. Both sides are heavily hairlined, with a bright, almost chrome-like texture that also helps to explain the PCGS qualifier. Warm olive-orange patina displays a few splashes of vivid crimson-red and steel-blue that are more extensive on the reverse. While the first year 1807 is one of the most plentiful Capped Bust Left half eagles, the vast majority of survivors are from the BD-8 die marriage. BD-7, offered here, is very scarce, with John W. Dannreuther (2006) allowing for an extant population of just 30 to 40 coins. Early and extensive cracks to the reverse forced the retirement of this die after relatively few coins were struck, Dannreuther's estimate for the mintage of this variety only 3,000 to 5,000 pieces. A significant find for the early half eagle variety specialist. BD Die State b/c.

PCGS# 8101. NGC ID: CKLH.

From RARCOA's session of Auction '82, August 1982, lot 928. Lot tag included.

Estimate: $ 5750