1814/3 Capped Head Left Half Eagle. BD-1, the only known dies. Rarity-4+. MS-63 (PCGS). CAC. CMQ. OGH Rattler.This crisply impressed, overall medium gold example displays exceptional eye appeal. Closer inspection reveals subtle copper-rose highlights here and there around the peripheries that provide additional interest. Carefully preserved to fully justify the Choice Mint State rating, and eagerly awaiting inclusion in an advanced gold type or date set. BD Die State c/d.<p>In 1814, the still adolescent nation was at war with Great Britain, who had managed to seize Washington, D.C. and set many structures on fire, to include the Capitol and the White House. These events struck hard at the fragile economy, leading to shortages of coins in circulation and the rampant and often times wanton issuance of paper money and fraudulent shinplasters. In these lean times, the Philadelphia Mint had to make due, thus dies were reused as much as possible due to the scarcity of hardened steel. The entire mintage of half eagles struck bearing the 1814 date were produced using a single die pair with a clear overdate, though it is possible that some of the 15,454 pieces struck that year included coins dated 1813. The distinct calling card of engraver John Reich is apparent on star 13 with a notch cut out of the point nearest the coins rim.<p>In a series replete with some of the greatest American rarities including the mythic 1822 half eagle, the 1814/3 Capped Head Left five is scarce, but relatively available. The vast majority of coins struck were shipped abroad, nonetheless, where they eventually were melted down along with other early American gold pieces in order to turn a profit on the coins bullion value. An estimated 80 to 100 survivors are accounted for, most of which in far lower states of preservation than the present specimen. While a moderate number of examples are known between AU-58 and MS-62, the issue is especially rare finer. Solidly in the Condition Census for the issue, here is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a superlative specimen of an historic issue.PCGS# 8117. NGC ID: BFXT.PCGS Population: 11; 5 finer (MS-64+ finest).<p>CAC Stickered Population: 2; 3.From Heritages sale of the Henry Miller Collection, January 2011 FUN Signature Auction, lot 5094.
