1830 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1. Rarity-6. Large D. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. A coin of near-singular beauty in a survivor of this exceedingly rare 1830s half eagle issue. Brightly reflective in finish, the fields form a splendid backdrop to frosty, smartly impressed motifs. Both sides are further enhanced by lovely, original mint color in vivid medium yellow-gold. Expertly preserved and obviously well cared for since the day of striking, one would be hard pressed to find a nicer Reduced Diameter Capped Head Left half eagle of any date or die pairing than this extraordinary Gem 1830 BD-1. BD Die State a/b.<p>In 1829, the Philadelphia Mint obtained a new Rush Muhlenberg coining press that would allow for a high raised rim on coins, which had the dual effect of not only extending circulation life but also served to protect the design from the normal rigors of daily commercial use. Chief Engraver William Kneass replaced the long-tooth dentils on previous issues with finely beaded or rounded dentils, all of which are now noticeably smaller and more regular in diameter. The new press helped to allow the Mint to produce the entire mintage of 126,351 half eagles struck in 1830 with only two die pairings each sharing a common obverse. The two reverses are most easily distinguished by examining the denomination indicator; the D is significantly larger on the BD-1 variety, represented here, than on the BD-2 pairing. The Large D reverse was originally employed on the 1829 BD-2 small diameter half eagles, then again in 1830. The die emission sequence of the two varieties is not clear. Based on die state analysis, it appears that the two reverse dies were used alternately to produce the five batches of half eagles delivered on March 31, May 20, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Likely the coiner simply grabbed the sole 1830-dated obverse and whichever reverse die was handy at the time to fulfill the order. The two varieties are roughly comparable in rarity; John W. Dannreuther (2006) notes that 25 to 35 Large D BD-1 specimens likely exist compared to some 30 to 40 of the Small D BD-2 variety.<p>Adding to the lovely eye appeal of this distinctive specimen is its extraordinary quality. It is one of only two 1830 half eagles of both die pairings to have received an MS-66 grade from PCGS, both of which are BD-1 Large D coins. Its counterpart at CC#1 is the D. Brent Pogue specimen that realized $305,500 in our May 2016 Pogue IV Sale. Interestingly, the Pogue specimen has not met with CAC approval, and the coin offered here is the single finest certified 1830 $5 listed at that service. It is a numismatic treasure that has much to offer even the most advanced early gold specialist. PCGS# 8152. NGC ID: 25RA. PCGS Population (both die marriages of the issue): 2; 0 finer.<p>CAC Stickered Population: 1; 0.
