1814/3 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4+. EF-45 (PCGS). CAC. OGH--First Generation.
Offered is an attractive and significant Choice EF example of this scarcer Capped Head Left half eagle issue. Deep, rich reddish-gold color greets the viewer from both sides. With some persistence and the aid of good lighting, one will also be able to discern delicate powder blue and pinkish-rose highlights. The devices are sharp for the assigned grade, and there is considerable luster remaining. Attractive in all regards, this is among the most desirable circulated survivors known for both the type and issue. The second issue in the Capped Head Left half eagle series of 1813 to 1834, the 1814 is an overdate with only a single die pairing known. The obverse was initially intended for production in 1813, but was not used and was subsequently overdated for use in the following year. The reverse die also struck the 1813 BD-2 variety, as well as the exceedingly rare 1815. Although federal records report a mintage of 15,454 half eagles during calendar year 1814, the scarcity of this date relative to the 1813 suggests that many of those coins may have been struck from the earlier-dated dies. The mintage for the 1814/3 as an issue may be as low as 10,000 coins (per John W. Dannreuther, 2006). The 1814/3 is far scarcer than the 1813 and we believe that fewer than 150 coins are extant in all grades, perhaps as few as 100. With solid technical quality, strong eye appeal and undeniable scarcity, the present example would be a fine addition to any advanced collection.
PCGS# 8117. NGC ID: BFXT.
CAC Population: 24 in all grades.
From the Andrew M. Hain Collection.