1799 Capped Bust Right Half Eagle. BD-7. Rarity-6+. Small Reverse Stars. AU-55 (NGC).

This handsome piece exhibits warm reddish-olive color with iridescent champagne-pink highlights. The texture is frosty and predominantly smooth, direct lighting calling forth faint semi-reflective qualities from the fields. The strike is ideally centered and nicely executed, all design elements boldly to sharply defined in the absence of significant wear. There is quite a bit of light "chatter" on Liberty's portrait and in the surrounding field areas, and a touch of glossiness is also noted for accuracy. On the other hand, we see no sizeable or otherwise individually marks, and no signs of adjustment. BD Die State a/c. BD-7 is one of the more elusive die marriages of the 1799 Capped Bust Right five, John W. Dannreuther (2006) estimating that only 14 to 18 examples are extant from an approximate mintage of 1,000 to 1,500 coins. The paucity of examples struck is due in no doubt to the early and severe break up of the reverse die. The coin offered here is a very late stage of BD Die State a/c, similar to the Bass II:733 specimen, and it displays at least 10 reverse cracks, most quite sharp. Desirable for high grade gold type purposes, of course, this coin also holds tremendous appeal for early half eagle variety enthusiasts.

PCGS# 8081. NGC ID: 25NT.

From the Olds Collection.