1803/2 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-4. Imperfect T, 3 Free Of Bust. MS-61 (PCGS). OGH.

This is a significant coin and an exciting offering for advanced early gold enthusiasts. It is also a beautiful coin, with richly original color in a blend of deep olive and reddish-orange. Full satin to softly frosted luster is seen on both sides and enhances the eye appeal. The strike is ideally centered on both sides and otherwise full; just a touch of trivial softness is seen on the eagle's left talon on the reverse, as well as in the centers on both sides. Exceptionally smooth for the assigned grade with outstanding eye appeal, only the strongest bids will be competitive when this premium quality example appears at auction. BD Die State c/e. This issue provides a fantastic example of die reuse, as all known half eagles struck with the 1803 date are actually an 1803/2 overdate. As with the 1802/1, the repunching failed to obliterate the underlying digit on both known obverse dies of the 1803/2, making it plainly visible to the unaided eye on all four known varieties. This is one of the more available issues of this early type thanks to its moderate mintage of 33,506 coins. Noted expert John W. Dannreuther (2006) believes between 150 and 200 examples of the present BD-1 variety exist today in all grades. Numismatists are fortunate that a decent number of Mint State specimens are known, despite the half eagle serving as the workhorse gold coin for the early nation. Even so, most of these are nowhere near as desirable as the offered coin, which presents better even than many certified MS-62s and MS-63s that your cataloger (JLA) has handled over the last two decades. For the discerning numismatist, this is an example that would be difficult to improve upon.

PCGS# 8084. NGC ID: 25NY.

From the Andrew M. Hain Collection.

Estimate: $ 12000